Benue APC: We’re not internally displaced politicians — Akume

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has dismissed suggestions that political leaders aligning with him in the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are “internally displaced politicians,” insisting they remain experienced stakeholders committed to rebuilding the party and the state.

Akume made the remark on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of APC leaders from Benue State, led by former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Emmanuel Jime.

The delegation, drawn from the state’s three senatorial districts, pledged its loyalty to the SGF ahead of the 2027 general elections and unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

Speaking at the meeting, Akume described the visiting party leaders as seasoned politicians whose experience remained valuable to Benue’s political development.

“They are not internally displaced politicians,” the former Benue State governor said, stressing that every member of the delegation still had a critical role to play in repositioning the APC and advancing the state’s development.

He expressed optimism that Benue was on course to reclaiming its lost glory, assuring the party leaders that efforts were underway to restore the state’s political and economic relevance.

The SGF also called for sustained support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the administration had continued to provide states and local governments with increased statutory allocations to drive development.

“I know that the President, in a most unprecedented manner, has pushed a lot of money to the states and the local governments,” Akume said.

“All the tiers of government have access to the Federation Account. If we can’t develop our state, it’s not the fault of Mr. President. He is doing what he is supposed to do for the country and for the states, and Benue is no exception.”

In what appeared to be an appeal for reconciliation within the Benue APC, Akume said he harboured no resentment towards any political actor in the state and urged party leaders to remain united ahead of the 2027 elections.

Earlier, Emmanuel Jime appealed to the SGF to lead efforts to reposition the APC in Benue by restoring internal democracy, inclusiveness and fairness within the party.

Jime lamented what he described as the erosion of democratic values in the state chapter of the APC, saying only genuine reconciliation and inclusive leadership could strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

The meeting ended with a unanimous vote of confidence in Akume’s leadership and an endorsement of President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

Among those at the meeting were Chief Nelson Alapa, Chief Patrick Idoko, Douglas Pepe (SAN), Prof. Cephas Tushima, Peter Ashiekaa, Prof. Usa, Joy Liga, Austin Agada, Dr. Msoo Igbo, David Igbosa and other APC stakeholders from across Benue State.