The Presidency has vehemently denied widespread reports and social media speculation claiming the replacement of Senator George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued multiple statements late Saturday, June 28, clarifying that these reports are "untrue," "fake news," and "fabricated by agents of mischief." The Presidency urged Nigerians to disregard the disinformation.

Rumours had circulated suggesting various scenarios, including that Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, was named as Akume’s successor. Another prominent rumour posited that Akume had stepped down from his SGF role to assume the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This speculation gained traction following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Bayo Onanuga firmly stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently on an official visit to Saint Lucia, has not made any new appointments. Onanuga reiterated, "There has been no change in the status of His Excellency, Senator George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation."

Ganduje's resignation, effective immediately, was officially attributed to urgent and important personal matters, as conveyed by APC spokesman Felix Morka. However, there were underlying sentiments that his departure might have been influenced by increasing internal resistance, particularly from those who perceived his appointment as a breach of the party's internal zoning arrangements. Ganduje, from the North-West zone, had assumed leadership in August 2023 after Senator Abdullahi Adamu, from the North Central zone, resigned.

Following Ganduje's exit, the party's Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, has taken over as the acting National Chairman, in accordance with the party's constitution, pending a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to fill the vacancy. This development has reignited calls from stakeholders in the North-Central geopolitical zone for the National Chairman position to be returned to their region, aligning with the party's 2022 zoning formula. While Akume, who hails from the North-Central, has not publicly expressed interest in the APC chairmanship, pressure is reportedly being mounted on him by party members who see his experience and track record as suitable for the role. Several other names from the North-Central zone are also reportedly being considered for the party's highest administrative office.

Senator George Akume, a former Governor of Benue State and former Minister of Special Duties, was appointed SGF by President Tinubu in June 2023. Since his appointment, he has been instrumental in coordinating government operations and implementing presidential directives across various federal agencies. The Presidency's clear denial aims to quell the wave of misinformation and ensure public trust in official communication.