The All Progressives Congress (APC) North Central Forum has called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to foster unity within the party in the North-Central zone and address allegations of lopsided appointments.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, after a meeting in Abuja, the Forum expressed dissatisfaction with Akume’s leadership approach, accusing him of favoring his Tiv kinsmen from Benue State in appointments made since his appointment as SGF in June 2023.

The Forum warned of mobilizing protests if the SGF does not urgently correct the imbalance in appointments, fill vacant positions in his office, and ensure that the entire North-Central region feels the impact of the Bola Tinubu administration.

“Lopsided Appointments Undermine Unity”

The statement criticized Akume for sidelining other states and ethnic groups in the North-Central, stating:

“Rather than carry the North-Central along, Senator Akume has been favoring his Tiv people of Benue State in the lopsided appointments he has made in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF. This is unacceptable.”

The Forum emphasized that the SGF position was zoned to the North-Central to represent the region’s interests and that the current trend undermines the party’s unity and could affect its electoral fortunes.

Calls for Corrective Actions

The group urged Akume to balance appointments in the SGF office, filling vacant roles with competent individuals from across the zone to ensure inclusivity and efficiency. It also demanded that Akume strengthen the party in the region and ensure the zone benefits from federal dividends of democracy.

“The imbalanced appointments made by the SGF is undermining the unity of the APC, especially in the North-Central. This situation can have a negative impact on the fortunes of the APC in future elections,” the Forum warned.

Ultimatum and Threat of Protests

The Forum issued a stern ultimatum to the SGF to address these grievances or face protests and potential calls for his removal.

“We urge Senator Akume to correct these issues immediately, or we will start agitations against him. We will release evidence of the imbalanced appointments made by the Office of the SGF under Senator Akume,” the statement added.

The APC North Central Forum also called on the SGF to use his position to unite the party, ensuring that loyal party members and the entire region feel adequately represented and supported in the administration.