Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. Dr. George Akume, has called on political leaders from the Jechira bloc to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akume made the call at his Maitama residence in Abuja when he received a solidarity visit from political leaders across major parties including the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and others. The delegation was led by Sen. Dr. Jack Tilley-Gyado, OFR, CON.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Elder Abaki Julius Korapera (Upper Jechira), Dr. Sarwuan Tarnongo (Lower Jechira), and Prof. Dennis Ityavyar (for all parties) commended President Tinubu for appointing Akume as SGF, describing the choice as “well-deserved.” They assured him of their loyalty and commitment to deliver votes for the President in 2027.
The leaders also acknowledged Akume’s role in producing a Jechira son as Governor of Benue State and appealed for the governorship to remain in Jechira beyond the current term, noting that other zones had previously completed two full terms. They further expressed gratitude to Jemgbah leaders for their consistent support of Jechira.
In his remarks, Sen. Tilley-Gyado lauded Tinubu for recognizing Akume as a key figure in his cabinet and for appointing other Benue indigenes to strategic national positions. He also praised the President for infrastructure projects in the state, pledging unwavering support for Akume’s political direction ahead of 2027.
Responding, Akume thanked the delegation for their solidarity and assured them of his continued commitment to purposeful leadership “devoid of ill-feeling, regardless of provocation.” He urged the leaders to remain steadfast in supporting Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The meeting, which featured a symbolic moment where Akume was adorned in Tiv traditional attire, was attended by top Benue figures including Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, and Hon. Chris Tarka, Chief of Staff to the SGF. Some members of the delegation later held a closed-door session with the SGF.
