The Otukpo Government Secondary School Old Boys Association (OGSSOBA) has expressed its support for Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027. This decision was made due to the association's solidarity with Akume, a prominent alumnus of the institution and a notable figure in Benue State politics.
According to Okpe Oko, the National Convener and Coordinator of the support group, the association regards Akume as a mentor and father figure whose extensive career in public service has earned him respect from the alumni. The group has resolved to support Akume's political direction and, consequently, Tinubu's second-term bid. Oko stated that the members follow Akume's lead, saying, "Wherever he goes, we go; whatever he says, we follow him."
Akume, a former two-term governor of Benue State, has held various notable positions, including representing Benue North-West Senatorial District in the Senate and serving as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs before becoming SGF. The OGSSOBA, with over 10,000 members and branches across several states, cited the school's motto, "Discipline and Service," as a defining value that shapes its members.
The association highlighted President Tinubu's recent remarks at the wedding reception of Deborah and Samuel Akume, where Tinubu praised Akume's long career in public service, describing him as having "paid his dues" in Benue and national politics. Tinubu's remarks were made in the context of his intervention in the political differences between Akume and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Explaining the group's support for Tinubu, Oko mentioned the administration's decision to remove fuel subsidy, a difficult policy choice that successive administrations had considered but avoided due to its political consequences. The group also cited the Federal Government's economic reforms, infrastructure projects, and efforts to attract investment as reasons for backing the administration.
Chief Ali Igboyi, a member of the support group, acknowledged that Nigerians are experiencing economic difficulties but argued that the subsidy removal was necessary to address structural problems in the economy. He cited projects in Benue and neighboring states, such as the Buruku-Logo Bridge and Makurdi-Gboko Road, as well as major highway projects linking parts of the North-Central with other regions.
The OGSSOBA plans to mobilize its members and supporters in support of Akume and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. The group's support for Tinubu is also based on the administration's emphasis on local processing and value addition in the solid minerals sector, exemplified by the $250 million Diamond New Energy lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, which has a processing capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes of lithium ore per day.
Key points
- The Otukpo Government Secondary School Old Boys Association supports Senator George Akume and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
- The association cites Akume's long career in public service and Tinubu's economic reforms and infrastructure projects as reasons for their support.
- The group's support for Tinubu is also based on the administration's emphasis on local processing and value addition in the solid minerals sector.
