SGF Akume speaks on alleged diversion of materials during Benue APC primaries

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has voiced concern over reports of alleged diversion of electoral materials during the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Benue State, warning that such incidents could threaten the credibility of the party’s internal electoral process.

Akume spoke on Friday shortly after landing at the Makurdi Airport ahead of the APC presidential primary scheduled for Saturday.

The former Benue State governor, who was welcomed by party supporters and loyalists, appealed to APC members in the state to remain united and prioritise the overall interest of the party above individual ambitions.

He stressed that unity within the party would be vital to its electoral success in the coming polls.

“The presidential primaries are taking place tomorrow (Saturday). We’re here to mobilise support for our dear president. He’s doing very well. I’ve told him repeatedly that he has no problem in Benue State,” Akume said.

“In this country, his performance, his commitment to patriotism, inclusive nature of government all speak in his favour.

In 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,” he added.

Addressing complaints that trailed the earlier APC primaries in Benue, the SGF disclosed that he had been inundated with allegations relating to diversion of election materials and other irregularities.

“I was not here during the last election. 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 stated.

Akume urged aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to embrace reconciliation, insisting that disagreements arising from the primaries should not divide the APC in the state.

“What I want to say is this, I 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 don’t want factions in our party. We’re very sure that come 2027, Mr President will get back to the Villa,” he said.

He further called on relevant authorities and security agencies to probe the allegations surrounding the conduct of the primaries and ensure anyone found culpable faces appropriate sanctions.

The SGF also appealed to APC members and supporters in Benue to remain peaceful and actively participate in the presidential primary election.

SGF Akume speaks on alleged diversion of materials during Benue APC primaries