The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has firmly denied reports suggesting he is among those vying for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The rebuttal follows a report published in newspaper, which listed Akume as one of the top politicians allegedly in contention for the leadership of the ruling party. However, the SGF’s office has dismissed the report as “fabricated” and “misleading,” emphasizing that the senator remains fully committed to his current national assignment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
A statement issued by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, clarified that Akume is not seeking any party position, including the APC National Chairmanship. According to the statement, Akume views such speculation as a distraction from his primary duty: delivering on the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the Tinubu administration.
“For the record, Senator Akume is not jostling with anyone for the post of either the APC National Chairman or any other post in the party,” the statement read. “His main focus is to ensure he does not betray the trust that President Tinubu has placed in him.”
While acknowledging that there are competent individuals from the North-Central region who could assume the role if the party zones the chairmanship there, Akume stressed that his priority remains national development, not internal party politics.
Speaking directly on the matter, the SGF said: “I am not in a hurry to abdicate my responsibility and the task that the President of the Federal Republic has placed before me. I am a firm believer 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.”
He further added, “To say that I am one of the prominent politicians gunning for the position of APC Chairman is completely false. I am focused on ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President is realised so Nigerians can enjoy the true dividends of democracy.”
The Office of the SGF also called on media organisations to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying facts before publication, especially on matters capable of inflaming political tensions.
“The Office remains open to journalists and media practitioners for clarifications and verification at all times,” Odunuga stated.
The clarification comes at a time when speculation is rife within the APC over potential leadership changes, as party strategists look ahead to future elections and internal restructuring.
