President Bola Tinubu declared that elections are decided by Nigerians, not social media, and urged reconciliation between SGF George Akume and Governor Hyacinth Alia to preserve APC unity in Benue State.
President Bola Tinubu yesterday told opposition elements and party faithful that “elections are not conducted on social media platforms. Nigerians conduct elections.” He also called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to reconcile with Hyacinth Alia for the unity of Benue State. The President rallied governors, federal lawmakers and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to consolidate economic reforms and intensify grassroots engagement, stating that the administration is transitioning from economic stabilisation to full-scale growth acceleration in 2026.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Renewed Hope Ambassadors Strategic Summit held at the Presidential Villa’s Old Banquet Hall in Abuja, Tinubu stressed party unity as the APC shifts focus from stabilisation to growth. He commended Akume’s long public service career—from Benue’s director of protocol and permanent secretary to two-term governor (1999–2007), senator, minister and now SGF—before making a direct appeal: “Let’s build the area together.”
The call reportedly drew applause amid tensions over APC control in Benue, where a rift has emerged between Akume’s political structure and Alia’s reformist base that secured his 2023 electoral victory. The disagreement has reportedly manifested in disputes over ward executives, nominations, parallel meetings, suspensions, appointments and House of Assembly loyalties, developments observers say could strain federal-state cooperation on security and development in the North-Central state.
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