Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has firmly denied rumours linking him to the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the claims as unfounded and misleading.
Speculation emerged in the political space following the recent resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the APC National Chairman, with some reports suggesting that Senator Akume was positioning himself as a possible successor.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Akume, through his media aide, Mr. Yomi Odunuga, categorically dismissed the reports, affirming that he remains fully focused on his national responsibilities as SGF and has no interest in contesting for the party’s top leadership seat.
“The reports circulating in some media outlets and online platforms suggesting that Senator George Akume is seeking the position of APC National Chairman are entirely false and without basis,” Odunuga stated. “The SGF has not declared any such intention, nor is he involved in any campaign or consultation for the role.”
According to the statement, Senator Akume is committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in delivering on its mandate of national development, economic recovery, and institutional reform.
“The SGF remains focused on his critical duties in coordinating policy implementation across federal ministries, departments, and agencies in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement continued. “He appreciates the confidence reposed in him by President Tinubu and is determined to justify that trust through diligent service to the nation.”
The statement urged the public and party members to disregard the speculation, describing it as a distraction from ongoing national efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria.
Political analysts have noted that while Senator Akume, a former governor and Senate Minority Leader, is a respected figure within the APC, he has not shown any public interest in the vacant national chairmanship seat. His current role as SGF places him at the centre of national coordination and governance, making it unlikely that he would pursue another political office at this time.
The APC is yet to announce a timetable or official process for filling the vacant chairmanship position, and consultations are expected to continue among party leaders and stakeholders in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Senator Akume has reiterated his loyalty to the party’s leadership and his commitment to national unity and progress.
