From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The denial followed a recent publication by a national daily newspaper that listed him among top politicians competing for the party’s top leadership role.

In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Akume described the report as “nothing but a fabrication” aimed at distracting him from his critical duties assigned by President Bola Tinubu.

“I am not jostling with anyone for the post of either the APC National Chairman or any other post in the party. My main focus is to ensure that I do not betray the intrinsic trust that President Tinubu reposes in me in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of the ruling party and the government within the targeted timeframe.”

Meanwhile, Akume has appointed renowned journalist, Odunuga as special adviser on media and publicity.

Odunuga brings on board over 27 years of rich journalism experience to the role. Prior to this appointment, he was Deputy Editor at The Nation Newspaper. He began his career at The Punch newspaper as a proofreader, eventually rising to become Abuja Bureau Chief and Group Political Editor.

Odunuga is well-known for his incisive political columns, including Life in Abuja and Inside Aso Rock.

In 2006, he joined The Nation newspaper, where his column, Knuckles, evolved into Knucklehead, continuing his critical analysis of Nigeria’s socio-political affairs. Between 2019 and 2023, he served as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy President of the 9th Senate.

Born on June 2, 1966, Odunuga is also a poet, lyricist and columnist, bringing a diverse and seasoned perspective to his new role in government communications under the SGF.