George Akume Calls for Unity in APC Ahead of Crucial Presidential Primary
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress in Benue State to remain united as the party prepares for its next presidential primary and the wider political battles leading into the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a political gathering in Makurdi, Akume stressed that unity, reconciliation, and internal discipline would determine whether the APC remains strong enough to maintain its dominance in Nigerian politics. The former governor of Benue State warned party stakeholders against allowing internal disputes, factional politics, and unresolved grievances to weaken the party ahead of what many observers believe will be one of Nigeria’s most competitive election cycles.
Akume’s remarks come at a time when political activities are gradually intensifying across the country, with conversations already beginning around the 2027 presidential election despite the current administration still being in office. Across several states, internal rivalries and disagreements over party leadership structures, delegate selection, and primary election procedures have continued to generate tension within the APC.
Addressing party leaders, youth groups, women’s wings, and local supporters in Makurdi, Akume said the APC must operate as one political family if it hopes to overcome future challenges and retain the confidence of Nigerians.
> “The strength of every political party lies in unity. Once division enters the system, opponents become stronger and progress becomes difficult,” Akume reportedly told party members during the gathering.
The SGF emphasized that no political ambition should be placed above the collective interest of the party. According to him, disagreements are natural in politics, but leaders must create room for reconciliation and peaceful dialogue instead of encouraging hostility among supporters.
Growing Tension Ahead of Future APC Primaries
Although the presidential primary is still some time away, conversations around succession politics have already started gaining momentum within the APC. Political analysts believe that early alignments and strategic positioning by influential politicians are already shaping the future direction of the ruling party.
In recent months, there have been growing concerns among APC members in several states regarding allegations of irregularities during internal elections and candidate selection processes. Complaints over delegate manipulation, imposition of candidates, lack of transparency, and exclusion of certain factions have continued to surface after different party exercises.
Akume acknowledged these concerns during his speech and insisted that the party leadership must learn from previous mistakes. He noted that unresolved controversies from earlier primaries created bitterness among loyal members and sometimes weakened the party during general elections.
According to him, transparent internal processes are necessary if the APC wants to preserve its credibility and prevent avoidable crises.
The SGF called for proper investigations into alleged irregularities associated with previous primaries, arguing that accountability and fairness are essential for party stability.
> “Whenever members feel cheated or unfairly treated, the consequences can be damaging. That is why every complaint deserves proper attention and investigation,” he stated.
Political observers see Akume’s comments as an attempt to calm tensions within the Benue APC, where different factions have continued to battle for influence ahead of future elections. The state has witnessed recurring political disagreements involving party structures, appointments, and leadership control in recent years.
Benue APC Faces Internal Challenges
Benue State remains one of the most politically active states in Nigeria’s North Central region. Since the return of democratic rule in 1999, the state has experienced intense political competition among major parties, with shifting alliances often influencing election outcomes.
Within the APC, divisions have occasionally emerged between different camps loyal to prominent political figures. These rivalries have sometimes affected party cohesion and campaign coordination during elections.
Akume, widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures from Benue State, has continued to play a major role in shaping the APC’s direction both within the state and nationally. His latest appeal for unity is being interpreted as a strategic effort to prevent further fragmentation ahead of the next major electoral cycle.
Party insiders believe the SGF is particularly concerned about the possibility of internal conflicts weakening the APC’s chances in Benue, especially as opposition parties continue to reorganize and strengthen their structures.
Some stakeholders at the meeting reportedly welcomed Akume’s message, describing unity as necessary for political survival. Others, however, insisted that genuine reconciliation can only happen if party leaders address longstanding complaints related to fairness and inclusion.
A youth leader present at the gathering said many younger members want a more transparent system where loyalty and hard work are rewarded rather than political favoritism.
> “People want fairness. If everyone feels included, unity will come naturally,” the party member said.
The Importance of Internal Democracy
Akume’s remarks have once again brought attention to the broader issue of internal democracy within Nigerian political parties. Across the country, party primaries often generate controversy, with accusations ranging from vote buying and delegate intimidation to manipulation of results.
Political experts argue that weak internal democracy remains one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s political system. In many cases, disputes arising from primaries eventually lead to defections, court battles, and parallel campaign structures.
For the APC, maintaining unity may prove especially important as the party attempts to consolidate its national influence ahead of future elections. Since assuming power in 2015, the ruling party has faced periodic internal crises involving governors, lawmakers, ministers, and influential stakeholders.
Despite these challenges, the APC has managed to retain control at the federal level, largely due to strategic alliances and its nationwide political structure. However, analysts warn that unresolved internal disputes could become more dangerous as competition for future leadership positions intensifies.
Akume’s call for reconciliation appears aimed at preventing such tensions from escalating prematurely.
Reconciliation as a Political Strategy
The SGF urged party elders and stakeholders to embrace dialogue and forgiveness, insisting that political disagreements should not destroy relationships built over many years.
According to him, reconciliation efforts must begin early rather than waiting until election season approaches. He encouraged leaders at ward, local government, and state levels to actively engage aggrieved members and rebuild trust within the party.
Political reconciliation has historically played an important role in Nigerian politics. Major parties often establish peace committees and negotiation teams whenever internal conflicts threaten party stability. Such strategies are usually designed to prevent defections and preserve electoral strength.
Akume suggested that the APC must prioritize unity over personal ambitions if it wants to remain competitive nationally.
> “Politics is about numbers, cooperation, and collective strength. Division only benefits opponents,” he warned.
APC’s Road to 2027
Although the next general election is still over a year away, political calculations are already underway across Nigeria. The APC, opposition parties, governors, lawmakers, and influential political blocs are all expected to intensify consultations in the coming months.
Within the APC, discussions about the future leadership of the party are likely to grow stronger as influential figures begin positioning themselves ahead of the presidential primary.
Analysts believe the ruling party could face increased pressure to conduct credible and transparent primaries to avoid repeating past controversies that created internal instability in some states.
Akume’s intervention may therefore represent an early warning to party leaders about the dangers of ignoring internal grievances.
In Benue State specifically, political observers expect intense competition among various camps seeking influence ahead of future governorship, legislative, and presidential contests. Maintaining party cohesion could become a critical factor in determining the APC’s electoral fortunes in the state.
Calls for Stronger Party Structures
Beyond unity, Akume also emphasized the need for stronger party structures and grassroots mobilization. He encouraged APC members to remain active within their communities and continue engaging ordinary citizens on governance issues.
According to him, political parties cannot survive on elite negotiations alone; they must maintain strong connections with grassroots supporters who ultimately determine election outcomes.
The SGF reportedly praised loyal party members who remained committed during difficult periods and urged them not to lose faith because of temporary disagreements.
He also appealed to party officials to avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary tension or alienating supporters.
Reactions from Political Stakeholders
Akume’s comments have generated reactions from political observers and party supporters across Benue State. Some analysts described his intervention as timely, especially considering the growing tension already visible within different political camps.
Others argued that calls for unity must be matched with practical reforms aimed at improving transparency within party operations.
A political analyst based in Makurdi noted that reconciliation alone may not solve deeper structural issues affecting internal democracy within Nigerian parties.
> “People want transparent processes. If fairness is guaranteed, unity becomes easier to achieve,” the analyst explained.
Meanwhile, some opposition figures dismissed the APC’s unity campaign as a routine political strategy ahead of future elections. They argued that Nigerians are more interested in governance performance and economic conditions than internal party appeals.
Despite differing opinions, Akume’s message has clearly reopened discussions about party discipline, transparency, and the future direction of the APC both in Benue State and nationally.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria gradually moves closer to another major election cycle, political parties are expected to intensify efforts aimed at consolidating their structures and resolving internal conflicts. For the APC, maintaining unity among influential stakeholders may prove crucial in preserving its political dominance.
Akume’s appeal in Makurdi reflects growing awareness within the ruling party that unresolved divisions could weaken its chances in future contests. By calling for reconciliation, transparency, and fairness, the SGF appears determined to encourage stability within the APC before political competition becomes even more intense.
Whether the party will successfully address longstanding grievances and maintain cohesion ahead of the presidential primary remains uncertain. However, Akume’s warning sends a clear message that unity may ultimately determine the APC’s strength as Nigeria prepares for another defining political chapter.
0 Comments