I have no obligation to meddle in Benue intra-party issues – Akpabio

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has clarified that he neither represents Benue State in the National Assembly nor bears any responsibility to interfere in the state’s internal political affairs.

The clarification was issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, amid social media reports linking Akpabio to alleged appointments within a political support group operating in Benue State under the name Team Akpabio for Tinubu (TAT).

In a statement released in Abuja, Eyiboh explained that Akpabio’s position as Senate President is national, constitutional and institutional in nature. He added that Akpabio has no personal or political rift with the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

The statement emphasised that Akpabio has no connection with, or knowledge of, the internal operations, appointments or activities of any political support group, including Team Akpabio for Tinubu.

According to Eyiboh, such groups are voluntary associations formed independently by their members to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Akpabio, and do not require the approval or authorisation of the Senate President.

“The Office of the President of the Senate has taken note of a statement circulating on social media attributed to one Hon. Aondoaver Nyakuma regarding an alleged appointment within a group known as Team Akpabio for Tinubu,” the statement read.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has no affiliation with and no operational knowledge of the internal affairs, appointments or activities of any political support group, including Team Akpabio for Tinubu.”

Eyiboh further stated that Akpabio does not know Hon. Aondoaver Nyakuma and has never appointed him, or any other person, to any position within any political support group.

He added that the Senate President maintains a cordial and respectful institutional relationship with Governor Alia and has no personal or political disagreement with him.

“Senator Akpabio does not represent Benue State in the National Assembly and has no obligation to intervene in intra-state political matters,” the statement noted.

The statement concluded by urging the public and the media to disregard any narratives attempting to link the Senate President to claims, appointments or disputes arising from private political groups.