PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, yesterday, used the platform of the Progressive Governors Forum and Renewed Hope Ambassadors Strategic Summit to reaffirm his administration’s reform drive, and to make a pointed appeal for reconciliation between Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia.
Addressing former governors, party leaders and stakeholders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President said the time has come for unity and bridge-building within the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that internal cohesion was critical as the administration transitions from economic stabilisation to accelerated growth.
In his remarks delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President described Akume as one of the longest-serving public officials in Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation, recounting his trajectory from director of protocol and permanent secretary in Benue State to two-term governor, senator, minister and now SGF.
He then made what he termed a “special appeal” directed at the Benue political leadership.
“Let’s build the area together,” Tinubu said, urging Akume to extend a hand of fellowship to Governor Alia in the interest of Benue State and the APC.
He stressed that what binds party leaders together must supersede personal or political differences, drawing applause from the audience.
The President’s intervention comes against the backdrop of lingering tensions between camps loyal to the SGF and those aligned with Governor Alia over party structure and political control in Benue State.
The relationship between Akume and Alia has gradually evolved from party alignment to open rivalry, reshaping the balance of power within the APC in the North-Central state.
Akume, a former two-term governor of Benue (1999-2007), remains one of the state’s most influential political figures.
His appointment as SGF further cemented his national stature within the party hierarchy.
Alia, a Catholic priest-turned-politician, emerged as governor in 2023 on the APC platform, propelled by a populist wave amid insecurity and economic strain in the state.
His victory disrupted entrenched political structures and introduced a new power bloc within the party.
Though both leaders belong to the APC, their camps represent different tendencies within the Benue chapter, the established political machinery long associated with Akume and the reform-driven base aligned with Alia.
At the core of the disagreement is control of the APC structure in the state. Disputes have reportedly centred on recognition of party executives at ward and local government levels, as well as influence over candidate nominations and internal processes.
The struggle has led to parallel meetings, suspensions and counter-suspensions among party officials, deepening internal fractures.
ALSO, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), urged the governor to reconcile with Akume during a live programme yesterday.
His remarks come as the face-off between the duo escalated following the ward congress of the APC held across the state last Wednesday.
Recall that the crisis, which began shortly after Alia’s inauguration in 2023, has split party members into two factions.
The ex-AGF said: “The President has directed a conciliatory process by the party regarding the differences between Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.
“I don’t see anything wrong, nor do I see it as disrespect to the office of the Governor, if he approaches Akume in obedience to the President’s directive.”
He dismissed insinuations that such a move would amount to political subordination or “godfatherism,” stressing that reconciliation remains a party matter and not an interference with the governor’s constitutional duties.
On the controversy surrounding party congresses in the state, Aondoakaa maintained that the decision to adopt affirmation was a national directive of the party, and should not be treated differently in Benue.