Akume Denies Interest In APC Chairmanship

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has dismissed reports suggesting he was vying for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as false and distracting.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF categorically denied any involvement in the race for the party’s leadership, noting that his focus remains firmly on delivering the mandate entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The attention of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has been drawn to a publication indicating that he is one of the top politicians jostling for the position of APC National Chairman,” the statement read. “To the best of our knowledge, this claim is entirely fabricated and designed to distract the SGF from the critical responsibilities assigned to him.”

Senator Akume, a former governor of Benue State emphasised that he was not lobbying for any party position, including the APC chairmanship.

Instead, he reiterated his commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I am not in a hurry to abdicate my responsibility and the task that the President of the Federal Republic has placed before me,” Akume said. “I am a firm believer in the principle that whatever God plans for you will surely come to pass. So I can’t be in a race that I am not interested in.”

While acknowledging that there are credible individuals in the North-Central zone capable of leading the APC should the party zone the position to the region, Akume clarified that his priority is national development, not party politics.

“Everything I have become in life has been by the grace of God and through the support of people — including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am fully focused on ensuring that Nigerians benefit from the true dividends of democracy,” he added.

He further urged the media to uphold professionalism and verify sensitive political claims before publication, warning that speculative reports could unnecessarily heat the polity.

“The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is open for media inquiries and fact-checking. We urge journalists to take advantage of this access in the interest of credible and ethical reporting,” Odunuga noted.