Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume has called for unity among All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Benue State as the party holds its presidential primary today.
Akume expressed concern over reports that electoral materials were diverted during earlier state primaries.
Arriving to a large crowd at Makurdi Airport on Friday, SGF Akume appealed to party leaders and rank-and-file members to subordinate personal ambitions to the party’s collective interests, saying internal cohesion would be crucial for the APC’s prospects in upcoming national contests.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Yomi Odunuga quoted Akume as saying “We’re here to mobilize support for our dear President. He is doing very well.”
“In this country, his performance, his commitment to patriotism, inclusive nature of government all speak in his favour. In a democracy you must always have some opposing voices but the truth is that his work is remarkable.
“His work has been approved by most Nigerians and we are very sure come tomorrow our people are going to vote massively for Mr President,” SGF Akume told reporters.
The SGF also described allegations that materials were diverted during the state primaries as “disturbing,” and urged party officials and security agencies to investigate.
He warned that such practices risk undermining confidence in the APC’s internal democratic processes and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
“I received so many reports about diversion of materials among other things,” he said.
“I wasn’t here so I don’t want to comment so much about that. What I want to say is this: I want the APC to be a united family. Those of us who were the founding fathers of the party do not want factions.”
SGF Akume asked aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to pursue dialogue and reconciliation rather than actions that could fragment the party, and urged a peaceful, robust turnout for Saturday’s primary.
