By Jude Opara, Abuja
As the feud between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume and Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue sate festers, the North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC), Forum has warned Akume to desist from the attacks the Governor.
In a statement released on Saturday night after a meeting in Abuja, the Forum accused Akume of using proxies, including ‘faceless’ groups, to launch media attacks on Governor Alia.
The group in the statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, further cautioned that Akume’s alleged moves to undermine the governor could affect the chances of the party in the state in the 2027 election.
The Forum warned that APC can’t afford to lose Benue, adding that Akume should be blamed if history repeats itself should Alia decides to leave the APC for another party, like his predecessor, Samuel Ortom once did.
It could be recalled that Ortom who was elected on the platform of the APC in 2015 eventually defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he contested for the same position in 2019 and also won.
The North-Central APC Forum said it decided to speak out on the situation in the Benue chapter of the party because of concerns expressed by its members as genuine, well-meaning stakeholders of the APC and the zone.
“The North-Central APC Forum has observed with concern unrelenting attacks on Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume. The sustained media attacks, orchestrated through proxies and faceless groups, is aimed at undermining Governor Alia, and making it difficult for him to effectively govern the state.
“As stakeholders, the North-Central APC Forum is warning the SGF, Senator George Akume, to stop further attacks on Governor Alia. The attacks on the Governor can destabilize the APC in Benue State and the entire North-Central. We do not want that.
“The North-Central APC Forum is worried because the crisis which the SGF has instigated in Benue State, if not brought under control immediately, can affect the chances of the APC in the state in the 2027 election. The SGF should be held responsible if APC loses Benue State in the next election.
“The North-Central APC Forum is also warning that, should history repeat itself, and Governor Alia defects to another party, like former Governor Samuel Ortom, who was elected on APC platform but left for the PDP, the SGF, Senator George Akume, should be blamed.
According to the Forum, Akume’s actions have undermined the unity of the APC in the North-Central.
The Forum further claimed that Alia is performing well as Benue State governor, hence the need for him to be allowed to develop the state without unnecessary distractions.
