Pressure Hits Another Top Tinubu Appointee to Resign

DDM News

Following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), rumours began circulating about Senator George Akume being considered as his replacement.

However, the Presidency has dismissed such speculations, stating clearly that Senator Akume remains the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the clarification came from President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who issued a brief but firm statement on the matter.

He noted that President Tinubu, currently on a trip to Saint Lucia, has not made any new appointments or reshuffles in the federal cabinet.

“The information circulating about Akume’s replacement is untrue,” Onanuga said. “Agents of mischief fabricated it. The Presidency advises Nigerians to disregard the fake news.”

Despite the presidency’s position, party insiders confirmed that mounting pressure from stakeholders in the North-Central zone is fuelling the rumours.

They are urging Akume to resign from his federal role and assume leadership of the party in order to return the chairmanship to their region.

Ganduje’s unexpected resignation last week sparked renewed calls for the APC to adhere to the 2022 zoning formula, which initially assigned the position of National Chairman to the North-Central geopolitical zone.

That arrangement was disrupted after the resignation of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, a North-Central leader, which allowed Ganduje from the North-West to take over the role in August 2023.

Ganduje served as National Chairman for only 22 months before announcing his departure, citing health challenges.

His resignation has now opened the door to internal contestations, particularly among leaders from the North-Central region who argue that it is their turn to reclaim the position.

While Senator Akume has not publicly expressed interest in the role, many within the party believe his vast experience in governance and party administration makes him an ideal candidate.

Born in Benue State, Akume previously served as governor and senator, and currently holds the critical federal post of SGF, making him a heavyweight in both national politics and party affairs.

Nonetheless, party officials said the Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Dalori, has taken over as acting National Chairman in line with APC’s constitution.

Dalori will remain in acting capacity until the National Executive Committee (NEC) meets in December to appoint a substantive chairman.

The current political manoeuvring is reminiscent of the opposition that followed Ganduje’s initial appointment in 2023, particularly from the North-Central region.

Despite protests, the NEC reaffirmed Ganduje’s chairmanship and the continued zoning of the office to the North-West during a meeting held in February this year.

Now that Ganduje has stepped down, party leaders from the North-Central zone are regrouping and renewing their demand for equity and fairness in the party’s leadership structure.

Although Akume is a central figure in the speculations, other names from the North-Central are already being circulated as possible contenders for the job.

Among them are:

1. Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura – Former governor of Nasarawa State and a known political strategist within the APC fold.

2. Senator Joshua Dariye – Former governor of Plateau State with deep political roots despite past legal issues.

3. Yahaya Bello – Immediate past governor of Kogi State, known for his aggressive campaign style and controversial tenure.

4. Senator Solomon Ewuga – An elder statesman and influential political voice from Nasarawa.

5. Senator Sani Musa – Serving Senator representing Niger East, viewed by many as a relatively younger but competent option.

None of the potential contenders has officially declared their candidacy, but party sources suggest political consultations are already ongoing across the region.

The final decision is expected to rest with the party’s NEC when it convenes in December, unless an emergency session is called to address the power vacuum.

In the meantime, the Presidency insists there is no plan to remove or reassign Akume.

Observers believe the coming weeks will be decisive as regional interests, zoning agreements, and political ambitions collide in the battle to determine the next APC national chairman.

Meanwhile, the party leadership faces the challenge of balancing loyalty, experience, and zoning fairness in making its next strategic appointment.

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