Pressure is currently mounting on SGF George Akume to resign and assume APC National Chairmanship.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that amid the sudden resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), mounting pressure is being placed on Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to relinquish his cabinet position and take up the leadership of the ruling party.
Stakeholders from the North-Central geopolitical zone, Akume’s political base are intensifying calls for the return of the APC national chairmanship to the region, citing the party’s 2022 zoning formula and Akume’s vast political experience.
Though Akume has not publicly expressed interest in the position, party insiders say influential voices within the APC believe he is the most qualified candidate to steer the party into its next phase.
ALSO: Presidency Breaks Silence On Alleged Appointment of Hadiza Bala Usman As SGF
Dr. Ganduje, who assumed the position in August 2023 after Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s resignation, announced his exit on Friday, citing health concerns. His departure has rekindled agitation within the party, especially from North-Central leaders who felt sidelined when the office shifted to the North-West under Ganduje.
While pressure continues to build, Presidency officials have denied reports that Akume has been removed as SGF or that any new appointments have been made. In a statement Friday night, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the rumoured change as “fabricated” and urged Nigerians to ignore it.
“There has been no change in the status of His Excellency, Senator George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” Onanuga said.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, currently in Saint Lucia, has not made any new appointments. The information circulating about Akume’s replacement is untrue.”
Still, the push for a North-Central candidate to succeed Ganduje is gaining momentum. Names reportedly under consideration include:
- Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura (former Nasarawa State governor)
- Senator Joshua Dariye (former Plateau governor)
- Yahaya Bello (former Kogi State governor)
- Senator Solomon Ewuga
- Senator Sani Musa, currently representing Niger East Senatorial District
With Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Dalori, currently serving in acting capacity, all eyes are on the APC National Executive Committee (NEC), which is expected to confirm a substantive chairman at its next meeting in December.
The coming weeks may prove pivotal as political realignments and regional interests collide ahead of what could be a significant leadership shake-up within Nigeria’s ruling party.
