Akume refutes report, says not vying for vice-president

Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, has dismissed report alleging that he is vying for the position of Vice-President of Nigeria in 2023.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Dr Mkor Aondona, the Minister described the report as false as he had not indicated any political interest to anyone or group of persons that he was contesting for the position of Vice President of Nigeria in 2023.

The minister further stated that he had not engaged the “unwanted and unwarranted services of anybody or group of persons to engage in the services of campaigns for position of Vice-presidentship of Nigeria” on his behalf.

The minister said he was reputably conscious of the zoning formula of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for both party officials and public political offices.

“On this note, we wish to emphasize that Senator George Akume is contesting for the national chairmanship of the APC in line with the APC zoning arrangements.

“That Senator (Dr) George Akume who has an overwhelming support base, prayers and goodwill of well-meaning Nigerians and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) hopes to responsibly serve the party as its next national chairman.

“With this, the Honourable Minister is principally concerned at the moment with the ambition of securing the final victory and blessing of the APC as its national chairman in the forthcoming national convention.”

The minister advised anyone or group of persons who were involved in the campaigns for Senator George Akume for or as Vice-president to desist from such political activities, henceforth.

The minister acknowledged the tremendous goodwill of his family, friends, colleagues, party associates and all well-wishers.

The statement said he wished them all God’s guidance, wisdom and protection.