The Presidency has debunked widespread rumours suggesting the resignation or replacement of Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), describing the reports as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, reaffirmed that there has been no change in Akume’s status, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not made any new appointments.

“There has been no change in the status of His Excellency, Senator George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” the statement read.

It further clarified that the President, who is currently in Saint Lucia on an official visit, has not taken any decision to appoint a new SGF.

Onanuga described the viral claims as the handiwork of “agents of mischief,” urging Nigerians to disregard the fake news circulating on social media and other platforms.

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

Akume, a former governor of Benue State and one-time minister, was appointed SGF by President Tinubu in June 2023.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has dismissed recent reports claiming that Senator Dr. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), resigned from his position as false.

Social media platforms have been buzzing with rumors that Akume stepped down on Saturday and is being positioned to take over as APC National Chairman following the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje.

The reports also claimed that Hadiza Usman, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, is expected to replace Akume as the new SGF.

However, in a statement released on Saturday night, Dan-Morgan Ihomun, the APC State Publicity Secretary in Benue, categorically denied the resignation claims, labeling them as fake news.

“I have received several calls and messages about the status of Sen. Dr. George Akume, CON, Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” Ihomun said. “Let me state clearly that the SGF has not resigned.”

He further urged Nigerians to disregard the rumors, emphasizing that the SGF remains committed to his duties and will continue to serve the nation diligently.

Ralph Nwosu, the founder and national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said the party is in a period of transition and described former Senate President David Mark as a leader with the capacity to guide the party forward.

This followed widespread reports on Saturday suggesting that David Mark had been appointed as the interim national chairman of the ADC.

When contacted by DAILY GAZETTE, Nwosu did not confirm or deny the report but acknowledged that the party was undergoing significant changes and would issue an official announcement the following week.

“ADC has been in transition for the last 18 months. Where we are going is to make sure that we can build it to a state where patriots and citizens of this country would believe that it is not business as usual — and people with the highest integrity and moral force would be put together to lead the way forward,” he said.

Nwosu, who has led the ADC since its founding, praised Mark’s political track record and described him as the kind of leader the party needs ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The distinguished senator David Mark has served the country in different capacities, and he has displayed leadership and patriotism. That is the kind of leadership we want to showcase to our country moving forward,” he said.

He continued: “To build a stable, focused, disciplined culture in the political party, there is no better person than David Mark if he were to agree to do that patriotic job.

“It is not about zone, it is not about anything, it is about Nigeria. We have some decent men who have lived for Nigeria, and David Mark is one.

“He is, in any way, possibly the first exemplar of what we want to do for the country. But we will wait until next week. Everything would be clear to all Nigerians.”

When DAILY GAZETTE correspondent also reached out to Baba Abdullahi, the ADC’s national secretary, he similarly refrained from confirming or denying the appointment:

“It is not a hanging news, but let it be until it is presented well,” he said.

David Mark, a retired army general, served as President of the Senate from 2007 to 2015.

He remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has not officially left the party.

Since early 2025, there has been a surge in opposition consultations aimed at building a coalition strong enough to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.

Prominent figures reportedly involved in the talks include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Kaduna governor, Nasir el-Rufai; and former Rivers governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has renewed its push for the party’s National Chairmanship to return to the region, citing fairness and equity.

This follows the unexpected resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman on Friday.

In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, Forum Chairman Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga called on President Bola Tinubu and other party stakeholders to support a North-Central candidate for the vacant position.

“It is on record that the North-Central APC Forum has long advocated for the party to honour the principles of the existing zoning arrangement, which allocated the position of National Chairman to the North-Central.”

“We have argued that the region should be allowed to complete the tenure of former National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, even going to court to press our case,” the statement said.

The Forum acknowledged suspending its earlier agitation after Ganduje’s ratification, citing the positive impact of his leadership on party growth.

“However, after the ratification of Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje’s appointment as National Chairman by the NEC in the overall interest of the party, we decided to suspend our agitation.”

“This decision was influenced by the progress we observed in the party under Ganduje’s leadership, demonstrated by high-profile defections to the APC, including governors and members of the National Assembly.”

The statement also credited Ganduje with steering the party toward stability and growth.

“During Ganduje’s tenure as National Chairman, several governors, including those from Delta and Akwa Ibom states, defected to the APC.”

“Additionally, numerous senators and members of the House of Representatives joined the party. High-profile opposition politicians also defected during his leadership.”

“Now that Ganduje has decided to step aside, it is only fair and just for the party to finally allow the North-Central to produce the National Chairman, ensuring fairness, justice, and equity.”

The Forum urged President Tinubu to direct the Acting National Chairman, Ali Dalori, to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting without delay, to facilitate the selection of a substantive chairman from the North-Central.

“We appeal to President Bola Tinubu, whom we regard as a listening President, and other party stakeholders to support the emergence of a National Chairman from the North-Central.”

“We also urge the Acting National Chairman to promptly convene an NEC meeting to elect a substantive National Chairman from the region.”

“Ganduje’s resignation, though unfortunate, presents the party with a golden opportunity to address the injustices faced by the North-Central,” the Forum said.

Backing their call with electoral statistics, the Forum noted that the region gave APC the third-highest vote tally in the 2023 presidential election.

“The North-Central has demonstrated its electoral value. It gave President Tinubu and the APC the third-highest number of votes in the 2023 presidential election, trailing only the South-West and North-West.”

Tinubu secured 1,760,993 votes (41.3%) in the region, followed by Labour Party’s Peter Obi with 1,415,557 (33.2%), and PDP’s Atiku Abubakar with 1,025,178 (24.1%).

Additionally, the Forum emphasized that the region has the highest number of APC governors nationwide.

Five of the six North-Central states—Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger—are governed by the APC. Plateau remains under PDP control, although the Forum noted there are ongoing efforts to woo Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the ruling party.

In conclusion, the Forum stressed that the region has competent leaders who can guide the APC into a strong position ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We are not demanding the position of National Chairman as a mere entitlement. The North-Central has capable leaders who can ensure the APC’s success in the 2027 elections.”

“Allowing the region to produce the National Chairman will not only rectify past injustices but also ensure that the party continues on its path of progress and strength. We urge party stakeholders to act promptly and decisively to ensure fairness,” the statement added.

Governor Fubara has called his reconciliation with former governor Wike a “heavy but necessary” step, emphasizing the importance of unity despite past differences.

He stated:

“Nobody can take away the role my oga played; that’s the truth. Yes, we might have our differences, but nobody here will say he doesn’t know the role the man played.”

“Nobody can wish away the risk he took; yes, at a point we had our differences, and if today a need for us to settle, please, anyone who genuinely believes in me should understand that it’s the right thing to do.”

Reflecting on their emotional journey, Fubara said:

“At this point, I’ve met him, and we have spoken; you can’t take away his not being hurt; he’s a human being.”

“I also have my own share of pains too, and if he feels that for the pains he has gone through, these are things he wants, in as much it is not my life, I will give it to him and let us have that peace because even while all these things are going…”

In a bold but controversial move, Ozo Jeff Nweke, the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), has paid the ₦50 million political campaign levy demanded by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), becoming one of the first aspirants to do so ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election.

The fee, announced by ANSAA Managing Director, Mr. Tony Ujubuonu, at a press conference two weeks ago, has drawn criticism for being excessive.

Ujubuonu warned that any candidate displaying campaign materials such as billboards, posters, or branded vehicles without paying the levy would face prosecution.

Despite openly challenging the legality of the fee, Nweke went ahead with the payment to ensure an unhindered campaign.

“We consider the ₦50 million fee excessive and legally questionable,” Nweke stated through his representative.

“However, we don’t want any hurdles preventing us from reaching every voter. Our campaign is set to flood the state with posters, handbills, billboards, and branded vehicles,” he said.

The payment was made through a formal delegation led by his running mate, Mr. Obi Elvis Anayochukwu, and supported by party loyalists.

According to the AA candidate, securing full access to all 326 electoral wards in Anambra was a strategic priority.

Nweke, a security consultant and businessman, expressed optimism about his chances, positioning the race as a straight contest between the Action Alliance and other contenders.

“This election is about the people,” he said. “It’s between Action Alliance and the rest. Anambra voters will decide, and they will choose a candidate who has the passion to uplift the state, secure lives and properties, and restore dignity to governance.”

He went on to outline his vision, which centers on improving security and creating an enabling environment for investment—both domestic and foreign.

“Ozo Jeff Nweke is not a new name. He is well known throughout Anambra and beyond. We are hearing directly from the people, they want change, and we are ready to deliver it,” he added.