Shippers’ Council Boss Akutah Denies Secret Talks Over Benue PDP Governorship Ticket

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, has denied reports linking him to alleged secret talks concerning the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State.

In a statement issued by his Principal Private Adviser, Comrade Atir Solomon Faeren, Akutah described the report, attributed to an anonymous online platform, as “false, malicious and unverified.”

Akutah said the publication alleged he was involved in secret discussions concerning the Benue State PDP governorship ticket but insisted the claim was fabricated and published without verification.

“Our attention has been drawn to a false, malicious and unverified publication by an anonymous online platform alleging that Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah is involved in secret talks concerning the Benue State PDP governorship,” the statement said.

It added: “We categorically reject the report as a baseless fabrication published without any attempt to verify the claims with Dr. Akutah or his office.”

The statement reaffirmed Akutah’s membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that he remains committed to the party.

“We therefore urge the public to disregard the publication entirely, as Dr. Akutah remains a loyal and committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Faeren stated.

He also cautioned against the dissemination of unverified political information, maintaining that adherence to professional journalistic standards was necessary, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Truth, professionalism and responsible journalism will always prevail over misinformation and political propaganda,” the statement added.