The political landscape of Nigeria often features figures who build their influence through both partnership and personal ambition. One such figure is Regina Akume, the first wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who has established a significant public profile of her own.
A Political Journey from First Lady to Federal Lawmaker
Born on May 15, 1955, in Benue State, Regina Akume first entered the national consciousness as the First Lady of Benue State. She held this role from 1999 to 2007, throughout her husband's two-term tenure as governor. During this period, she was widely recognized for providing steadfast support, contributing to what observers termed an "uncommon progressive socio-political trajectory" for the family.
Her political career took a decisive turn in February 2023 when she contested for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives. Running under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), she secured victory in the Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency of Benue State. Her win was notable as she defeated John Dyegh, a seasoned lawmaker from the state, marking her entry into the 10th National Assembly as a first-term representative.
Committee Leadership and Legislative Focus
Upon her election, Regina Akume quickly assumed leadership roles within the legislature. Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, appointed her to chair an ad-hoc committee tasked with reviewing the operations of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). This committee was specifically mandated to examine proposals for extending the validity period of UTME results to at least three years and to consider holding the examination twice a year. The committee has since completed and submitted its report.
Currently, she holds a more permanent leadership position as the Chairman of the House Committee on the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Her stated legislative agenda centers on empowering women and youth within her constituency. However, it has been noted that in the first nine months of the assembly, she has not yet sponsored any bill or motion, a point that has drawn some scrutiny to her parliamentary performance.
Significance and Public Profile
Regina Akume's position is unique. As one of only 13 women in the 360-member House of Representatives—a mere 4.7% of the chamber—her presence is significant. Many political analysts have stated that "eyes will be on Regina Akume in the current assembly," given her dual identity as a lawmaker and the wife of a top government official.
Her role extends beyond legislation, acting as a political anchor in Benue State. The transition from First Lady to a federal parliamentarian is seen as a consolidation of her family's enduring influence in Nigerian politics. Recently, she made headlines during the wedding reception of her son on December 28, 2025, in Makurdi, where she publicly urged her husband to "come back to Christianity," a remark that followed reports of the SGF's marriage to another woman.
Regina Akume's career exemplifies a path where political partnership evolves into independent office, placing her among the notable women shaping policy and representation in Nigeria's 10th National Assembly.
