Pat Stevens/
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has lamented the alleged diversion of materials during the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Benue State.
The development has raised fresh concerns over the credibility of the party’s internal electoral process in the state.
Akume’s remarks come amid growing discontent within sections of the Benue APC following complaints over the conduct of the primaries and allegations of manipulation by aggrieved party members.
The SGF spoke on Friday shortly after arriving at the Makurdi Airport ahead of Saturday’s APC presidential primary, where supporters and party loyalists gathered to receive him.
Addressing journalists, Akume acknowledged receiving multiple reports alleging that materials meant for the primaries were diverted, a development he suggested could deepen mistrust and fuel divisions within the party if not properly addressed.
“I received so many reports about diversion of materials among other things, but I wasn’t here, so I don’t want to comment so much about that,” he said.
The SGF’s comment is likely to intensify scrutiny of the Benue APC primaries, which have already generated controversy in some quarters over transparency and fairness.
Akume warned against allowing internal disputes to fracture the party ahead of future elections, saying the APC’s founding members never envisioned a factionalised structure in Benue State.
“We want the APC to be a united family. This was how we intended it to be. Those of us who were the founding fathers of the party do not want factions in our party,” he stated.
He urged party leaders, officials and security agencies to investigate the alleged diversion of materials and ensure accountability for anyone found culpable, stressing that confidence in the party’s democratic processes must be protected.
The SGF also appealed to aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to embrace reconciliation rather than escalate tensions within the party.
While addressing the forthcoming APC presidential primary, Akume reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu, expressing confidence that the President would secure overwhelming backing from Benue delegates.
He praised Tinubu’s performance in office, describing his administration as patriotic and inclusive.
“In democracy, you must always have some opposing voices, but the truth is that his work is remarkable,” Akume said.
He further appealed to APC supporters to remain peaceful and participate actively in the presidential primary process.
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