The National Development and Transparency Watch (NDTW) has raised concerns over recent political rumours suggesting the resignation of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and his alleged replacement with Special Adviser on Policy Coordination to the President, Hadiza Bala Usman.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Abiola Olaguntade Waheed, the group questioned the circumstances surrounding the speculation, describing it as unusual and possibly orchestrated.
The NDTW highlighted three factors it believes set this rumour apart from ordinary political gossip.
First, the timing — the news broke shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu embarked on an official trip abroad, a move the group said could have been calculated to create maximum political shock in his absence.
Second, the speed and breadth of the rumour’s circulation suggested a “well-choreographed operation,” with both mainstream and online platforms amplifying the claim within minutes.
Third, Wikipedia and other online profiling platforms reportedly updated their pages almost instantly — listing Senator Akume as a “former” SGF and Hadiza Bala Usman as the “serving” occupant of the role. Such updates, the group said, hinted at a degree of premeditation.
The group noted that Bala Usman has not publicly distanced herself from the speculation. Citing the legal maxim “Qui tacet consentire videtur” (“He who is silent is seen to consent”), the NDTW argued that her silence could be interpreted as tacit approval of the narrative.
While the Presidency, through spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, quickly dismissed the rumour, the group stressed that a personal rebuttal from Bala Usman would have further strengthened the denial.
Alleged Links to El-Rufai Fuel Suspicions
The statement also drew attention to Bala Usman’s past political associations — particularly her tenure as Chief of Staff to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and later as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, appointments in which El-Rufai reportedly played a role.
The NDTW pointed out that El-Rufai, once an ally of President Tinubu, is now perceived as a leading critic and political rival ahead of the 2027 elections. It alleged that concerns have persisted within political circles over whether Bala Usman’s loyalty lies fully with the Tinubu administration or with her former boss.
The group claimed that sensitive political information unfavourable to the Tinubu presidency has, in the past, made its way to El-Rufai — suggesting the possibility of an internal leak.
According to the NDTW, elevating Bala Usman to the role of SGF could pose a political risk to the Tinubu administration.
“If Senator George Akume were to vacate the seat of Secretary to the Government of the Federation today, it would be tantamount to political suicide for President Bola Tinubu to put into that office one of such doubtful loyalty,” the statement warned.
The group urged the President and his advisers to exercise vigilance in appointments to sensitive political positions.
“Caution can never be considered excessive when the stability of a government is at stake,” Waheed said.
