From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
National Assembly Caucus Says Dinner Party mere attempt to tap into Akume’s goodwill
Benue State National Assembly Caucus has declared that the people of the State have resoundingly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027, following extensive and transformative engagements spearheaded by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume.
The statement issued by Hon. Philip Agbese, spokesperson of the Caucus and made available to the media at the weekend, comes against the backdrop of Friday’s dinner held at the Benue State Government House by Governor Hyacinth Alia for some persons who planned to decamp to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Agbese hailed Akume as a visionary leader and the cornerstone of Benue’s political unity, while dismissing recent dinner parties organized by rival political figures as futile attempts to tap into his(Akume)unparalleled goodwill.
The caucus, comprising all senators, House of Representatives members and Federal Appointees from Benue, emphasized that the endorsement reflects a deep-rooted consensus forged through months of meticulous consultations, town hall meetings, and grassroots dialogues across the local government areas.
“The Benue people, inspired by the extraordinary leadership of our revered father, Senator George Akume, have long settled for the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027,”.
“This is not a decision born of impulse but a steadfast commitment to continuity, progress, and the full realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has already begun transforming lives in our state.”
Senator Akume, a former two-term governor of Benue, former senator, and a towering figure in Nigerian politics, was lauded as the driving force behind Benue’s unwavering support for Tinubu.
His strategic engagements, which include over 15 high-impact meetings between February and September 2025 in Abuja, Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo, brought together traditional rulers, youth councils, women’s associations, farmers’ cooperatives, and religious leaders.
“Senator Akume’s legacy as a unifier and champion of Benue’s interests is unmatched,” Agbese added.
“His ability to connect with every stratum of society— from rural farmers to urban professionals—has cemented Tinubu’s place in the hearts of our people.”
The caucus highlighted the tangible benefits of Tinubu’s administration in Benue, crediting Akume’s influence in securing federal investments.
Additionally, enhanced security measures, including the deployment of troops, have curbed farmer-herder clashes, fostering peace in rural communities.
“These are realities, delivered through the synergy of President Tinubu’s vision and Senator Akume’s relentless advocacy,” Agbese noted.
The caucus took a sharp jab at recent political maneuvers by rival factions, particularly dinner parties hosted in Makurdi, which they described as “desperate and dubious attempts to piggyback on Senator Akume’s monumental goodwill.”
Agbese stated, “The Benue people are discerning. They can not be swayed by lavish feasts or hollow rhetoric. Their loyalty lies with Akume, a leader who has consistently delivered for Benue and with Tinubu, whose policies are reshaping our state for the better.”
Looking ahead, the Benue NASS Caucus announced plans to intensify grassroots mobilization for President Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
“Senator George Akume is not just a leader; he is Benue’s pride, a beacon of hope, and the architect of our political renaissance,” Agbese declared.
“Under his guidance, Benue will deliver an even bigger mandate for President Tinubu in 2027”, Agbese concluded.
