A political group from Nigeria’s North-Central region, the North-Central APC Forum, has expressed growing concern over the alleged political alliance between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and the former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom. The forum suspects that this developing relationship could negatively impact the political landscape in both Benue State and the broader North-Central region, especially with respect to the fragile political dynamics within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The forum, which represents interests from the North-Central zone, claims that the political ties between Akume, who has had a contentious history with Ortom, the former governor, could undermine the position of the current Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia.
The group warns that such an alliance may cause significant harm to the APC, not only in Benue but across the region, if left unchecked.
In a statement released by its chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, the forum pointed out the unusual nature of Akume and Ortom’s renewed political association.
The pair had been at odds for years, with Ortom leaving the APC for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during his tenure as governor.
However, recent events, including Ortom’s participation in a thanksgiving ceremony honoring Akume in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State, have raised alarms.
The event also served to mark the 50th birthday of Dr. Matthias Byuan, a key ally of Akume and Executive Director at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
The North-Central APC Forum noted that Ortom’s presence at the event, alongside Akume, was concerning as it appeared to signal the formation of a new alliance between the two former Benue governors—an alliance that could be targeted against the sitting governor, Alia, who has had a strained relationship with Akume, especially over control of the APC in the state.
The forum further raised concerns about Alia’s government, which has initiated investigations into Ortom’s administration, adding fuel to the political fire.
The group has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and address the issue before it escalates further, emphasizing the potential for division within the ruling party.
As political maneuvering intensifies in Benue, all eyes are on how this alleged alliance between Akume and Ortom will play out and whether it will further complicate the already fragile political situation in the state and beyond.
