North-Central APC Forum Raises Alarm Over Akume-Ortom Political Alliance

A political group from Nigeria’s North-Central region, the North-Central APC Forum, has expressed growing concern over the alleged political alliance between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and the former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom. The forum suspects that this developing relationship could negatively impact the political landscape in both Benue State and the broader North-Central region, especially with respect to the fragile political dynamics within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The forum, which represents interests from the North-Central zone, claims that the political ties between Akume, who has had a contentious history with Ortom, the former governor, could undermine the position of the current Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia. The group warns that such an alliance may cause significant harm to the APC, not only in Benue but across the region, if left unchecked. In a statement released by its chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, the forum pointed out the unusual nature of Akume and Ortom’s renewed political association. The pair had been at odds for years, with Ortom leaving the APC for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during his tenure as governor. However, recent events, including Ortom’s participation in a thanksgiving ceremony honoring Akume in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State, have raised alarms. The event also served to mark the 50th birthday of Dr. Matthias Byuan, a key ally of Akume and Executive Director at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). The North-Central APC Forum noted that Ortom’s presence at the event, alongside Akume, was concerning as it appeared to signal the formation of a new alliance between the two former Benue governors—an alliance that could be targeted against the sitting governor, Alia, who has had a strained relationship with Akume, especially over control of the APC in the state. The forum further raised concerns about Alia’s government, which has initiated investigations into Ortom’s administration, adding fuel to the political fire. The group has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and address the issue before it escalates further, emphasizing the potential for division within the ruling party. As political maneuvering intensifies in Benue, all eyes are on how this alleged alliance between Akume and Ortom will play out and whether it will further complicate the already fragile political situation in the state and beyond.

Defection: Court dismisses APC suit seeking sack of ex-Benue gov, Ortom

By Vivian Michael, Abuja Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress(APC) seeking the removal of former Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, from office over his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). In the ruling, the court held that the suit had become academic, exercise in futility and can no longer confer any benefits on the APC. It stated that it has been overtaken by events. Besides, the judge said that the court has no power to extend the tenure in dispute to accommodate the request of the APC. Justice Ekwo said that the tenure being eyed by the APC had been spent by Ortom before the case could be concluded. The APC had dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, PDP and Ortom before the court praying that Ortom be kicked out of office on account of his defection to the PDP. APC asserted that it canvassed for votes and won the majority of lawful votes of 422,932 as against the PDP which scored 313, 878 to come second, in the 2019 governorship election in Benue State. The party asked the judge to invoke sections 1, 177 and 179 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 97 of the Electoral Act 2010 to hold that Ortom cannot transfer its lawful votes to PDP, thereby making PDP to unlawfully become the winner of the 2019 poll. However in his judgment in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/458/2022, Justice Ekwo held that the cause of action had ceased from the day the former governor completed the tenure of office. He dismissed the suit, noting that it no longer has life to sustain it and therefore lacked merit.

How EFCC grilled Ortom for 9 hours

*Former Benue governor has nothing to hide, says Aide The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday grilled the immediate past governor of Benue, Mr. Samuel Ortom, for nine hours before he was later released. Ortom arrived at the premises of the commission’s Zonal Headquarters, Makurdi, at 10 a.m. and left there at about 7:00 p.m it was gathered. Reacting, Ortom’s media aide, Mr Terver Akase, said that contrary to insinuations in some sections of the mass media, Ortom was not arrested but only honoured the commission’s invitation. “Ortom was neither arrested nor detained at the EFCC Zonal Headquarters in Makurdi,“ Akase said. According to him, the former governor has nothing to hide, honoured that he would always be available for questioning by the anti-graft agency. “Ortom has nothing to hide regarding his stewardship in the state,” Akase said.