Benue APC Chieftains Declare Support for Senator George Akume Amid 2027 Elections

'I know that the President, in a most unprecedented manner, has pushed a lot of money to the states and the local governments. All the tiers of government have access to the Federation Account. If we can’t develop our state, it’s not Mr. President’s fault. He is doing what he is supposed to do for the country and for the states, and Benue is no exception,' Senator Akume said.

A group of political heavyweights within the All Progressives Congress APC in Benue State, led by Barr. Emmanuel Jime, a former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, have pledged loyalty to Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The move is expected to boost Akume's chances in the 2027 general elections in Benue State. The group, which cut across the state’s three senatorial districts of Zone A, Zone B and Zone C, made the declaration when they visited Akume in Abuja.

The delegation included Douglas Pepe (SAN), Prof. Cephas Tushima, Engr. Peter Ashiekaa and Prof. USAR, alongside Qs Beetseh, Joy Liga, Chief Nelson Alapa, Chief Patrick Idoko, Hon. David Igbosa, Comrade Austin Agbada and Hon. Dr. Msoo Igbo, among others.

Media adviser to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga, noted that Akume thanked the delegation for their support and commitment, urging them to remain united and focused on the collective development of the state.

The SGF, who emphasized the importance of teamwork among party members, assured the delegation that his leadership would continue to prioritize the interests of Benue people while working towards restoring the state’s economic and political relevance.

Akume called for continued support for President Bola Tinubu's administration, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to deliver sustainable development and improve Nigerians' lives.

He commended the attendees' political experience, capacity, and intellectual depth, assuring them that they were not “internally displaced politicians” but respected stakeholders with valuable contributions to the state’s political development.

The highlight of the event was the unanimous endorsement of President Tinubu's bid for a second term in office, along with a resounding vote of confidence in Akume’s leadership.

The motion was moved by a former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Dan Ali, and seconded by former Attorney General of the state, Barr. Joe Abaagu.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Barr. Emmanuel Jime, expressed concern over the deteriorating state of democracy in the state, alleging that democratic values and principles had been relegated.

He urged the SGF to use his position and influence to reposition the APC in the state by restoring the party’s democratic values, principles and ideals, appealing to Akume to champion a return to internal democracy, inclusiveness and fairness, which he described as essential for strengthening the party and rebuilding confidence among its members.

Barr. Jime recounted an experience from the 2003 election, when he ran for the House of Representatives while Akume was governor, highlighting the SGF’s empathy and leadership.

Akume expressed optimism that Benue State was on course to reclaim its former prominence, assuring residents that renewed efforts were underway to restore the state’s lost glory.

And with the endorsement of President Tinubu's bid for a second term in office by the APC chieftains in Benue State, the stage is set for an intense battle for the presidency in 2027.