George Akume is one of Nigeria’s most seasoned political figures, a politician from Benue State in north-central Nigeria whose career has spanned the Senate, the governorship, federal cabinet appointments, and his current role as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Born on October 27, 1953, in Ushongo, Benue State, he has served in virtually every major tier of Nigerian government over five decades of public life, representing the Tiv ethnic group’s political interests at the national level while navigating the complex terrain of Nigerian party politics with considerable longevity.
Profile
| Full Name | George Barnabas Akume |
| Born | October 27, 1953 |
| Age | 72 years old |
| Birthplace | Ushongo, Benue State, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Benue State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Politician, Secretary to the Government of the Federation |
| Religion | Christianity |
Early Life
George Barnabas Akume was born on October 27, 1953, in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State, in northcentral Nigeria.
He grew up in the Tiv-speaking community and pursued his education in Nigeria before building a career in both civil service and politics.
His early years were shaped by the political environment of post-civil war Nigeria and the aspirations of the Middle Belt communities of which Benue is a significant part.
Education
George Akume attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he studied.
He subsequently undertook postgraduate studies in public administration and has accumulated academic credentials across several Nigerian and international institutions.
His educational background in governance and administration provided the foundation for his long career in public service.
Career
George Akume’s political career developed through the Nigerian civil service and governance structures before his transition to elected politics. He was elected to the Nigerian Senate and served as a senator representing Benue State.
He subsequently won the governorship of Benue State, serving two terms from 1999 to 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party. His governorship addressed infrastructure development, agricultural policies, and the internal security challenges that have long afflicted Benue State, particularly conflicts between farmers and herders. After his governorship, he remained in active politics as a senator, serving in the National Assembly for multiple terms.
In 2020 he defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress and aligned himself with the Tinubu political movement, a decision that resulted in his appointment as Secretary to the Government of the Federation in August 2023.
Conclusion
George Akume’s long career in Nigerian governance reflects the enduring influence of political longevity and strategic alignment in Nigerian federal politics.
As Secretary to the Government of the Federation, he serves as one of President Tinubu’s senior coordinators of government activity, bringing decades of political experience to a role that requires both administrative skill and political sensitivity at the highest levels of Nigeria’s executive branch.