By: Titus Akor, Makurdi.

Ahead of Saturday’s presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume (CON), has underscored the importance of unity within the party in Benue State.

He also expressed displeasure over the alleged diversion of materials during the party’s primaries held in the state earlier in the week.

Senator Akume spoke to Journalists on Friday when he landed at the Makurdi Airport ahead of the APC presidential primary billed for Saturday and APC faithfuls mammoth crowd had come to the airport to welcome him.

The SGF urged party members and stakeholders in the state to place the collective interest of the APC above personal ambitions, noting that internal cohesion would be critical to the party’s success in future elections.

He appealed to aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to embrace dialogue and reconciliation, insisting that disagreements arising from the primaries should not weaken the party’s structure in the state.

He said: “The presidential primaries are taking place tomorrow (Saturday). We’re here to mobilise support for our dear president. He’s doing very well. I’ve told him repeatedly, that he has no problem in Benue State. In this country, his performance, his commitment to patriotism, inclusive nature of government all speak in his favour.

“In the democracy you must always have some opposing voices but the truth is that his work is remarkable. His work has been approved by most Nigerians and we are very sure come tomorrow our people are going to vote massively for Mr President”.

Akume further described reports of the diversion of electoral materials during the primaries as disturbing, warning that such actions could undermine confidence in the party’s internal democratic process.

He called on party officials and security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that those found culpable are held accountable, while assuring members that efforts were underway to guarantee a credible and transparent process going forward.

His words: “I was not here during the last election. I received so many reports about diversion of materials among other things, but I wasn’t here so I don’t want to comment so much about that. What I want to say is this, I want the APC to be a united family. This was how we intended it to be. Those of us who were the founding fathers of the party we don’t want factions in our party you. We’re very sure that come 2027, Mr President will get back to the Villa”.

He appealed to supporters to remain peaceful and turn out in large numbers to participate in the primary election for the party’s presidential candidate.