A gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue state, Mark Hanmation, has said that it is lack of disrespect for anyone to contest the National Chairmanship position of APC against Senator George Akume.
Hanmation who spoke with journalists in Makurdi on Thursday, said the sacrifices by Senator Akume, including losing his election when his stood for the party, particularly, when the APC faced stiff opposition in Benue, his home state in 2019, was enough sacrifice for the party to hand him the position on a platter of gold.
He also recalled Akume’s role in the merger that gave birth to the APC, saying these ideals along others are indications that if given the position of national chairman of the party, Senator Akume would harmonise the party that would ensure that APC retains power come 2023.
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While insisting that Senator Akume played a key role in establishing today’s APC in Northern Nigeria, the APC guber hopeful said, “We ought to respect his decision to lead the party as National Chairman. And I’m optimistic that even the delegates will settle for him to lead our party as Chairman.
“Remember the sacrifices that he has made, including committing to the success of the 2019 election in the North. This was at the expense of his own election.
“His firm stand for the party when it faced stiff opposition in his home state and his role in the merger, which became the turning point for opposition in the history of Nigeria are some of the ideals that set him apart as someone that will truly harmonize, consolidate and ultimately integrate our party to retain power in 2023.
“It is obvious to anyone that he is a frontliner. You can see that he keeps breaking records. He gave ACN victory in the North for the first time; and then, APC. And so, it’s cheap blackmail and unreasonable for to contest against him.”
Hanmation however said he is optimistic that whoever emerges the National Chairman next month February, 2022, it will be Victory for all.”
