The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has called on political leaders and elders from the region currently in the opposition to join the ruling party, emphasizing that only the APC-led administration under President Bola Tinubu can safeguard and advance the interests of the zone.
In a statement on Monday by the chairman of the forum, Saleh Zazzaga, former Senate Presidents David Mark and Bukola Saraki, former Governors Jonah Jang, Babangida Aliyu, Gabriel Suswam, and Samuel Ortom, as well as former PDP National Chairman, Prof. Iyorchia Ayu, were urged to defect to the APC.
Zazzaga, who was a member of the APC 2023 Presidential Campaign Council, highlighted the region’s improved political and infrastructural fortunes under the APC government compared to the alleged neglect suffered during previous PDP administrations.
Justifying the need for the leaders to join the ruling party, the NC APC Forum criticized the PDP for sidelining its own prominent leaders from the North-Central, stating that figures like Saraki, Ayu, Mark, Jang, Suswam, Ortom, and Aliyu have been marginalized within their party.
Besides, the Forum argued that the PDP’s internal crises and leadership struggles had left little room for these leaders to contribute meaningfully to the national discourse, suggesting that they would find greater political relevance and appreciation within the APC.
According to the Forum’s Chairman, unlike past administrations, the APC has prioritized the development of the North-Central, ensuring that key infrastructure projects receive federal attention.
Citing the rehabilitation and construction of critical road networks, including the Jos-Akwanga road, Makurdi-Oturkpo-Otukpa road, Makurdi-Ankpa road, Jos-Saminaka/Kaduna road, Minna-Bida road, Ejule-Otukpa road, Ganawuri-Manchok road, Lokoja-Abuja road, Lapai-Agaie-Bida road, Birnin-Gwari-Bokani-Mokwa road, and Minna-Zungeru-Tegina-Kontagora road, Zazzaga noted that many of the roads had remained in a deplorable state for years under the PDP without intervention.
He also cited the recent establishment of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to the region, adding that the enactment bill for the commission was signed into law following persistent calls from North-Central stakeholders who had advocated for similar developmental initiatives as seen in other geopolitical zones.
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“The creation of the NCDC demonstrates Tinubu’s willingness to address the region’s needs and promote equity and justice in national development efforts,” Zazzaga said.
In addition, he pointed out that under the APC-led Federal government, the North-Central region has been accorded significant political representation, including the appointment of key ministers and the prestigious office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), currently held by Sen. George Akume from Benue State, arguing that this level of inclusion was not the case during PDP-led administrations, where the region allegedly faced marginalization.
On security, the Forum asserted that the APC government has made substantial progress in curbing insecurity in the North-Central region, a challenge that had previously hindered agricultural activities and economic growth.
He praised President Tinubu’s directive to the Armed Forces and security agencies, which it claimed has led to improved safety and allowed farmers to return to their lands without fear of attacks.
In its appeal to the regional opposition leaders, the NC APC Forum assured the region’s political elders that their contributions and experience would be valued in the ruling party.
It encouraged them to prioritize the development and well-being of their people over party loyalty, stressing that the APC remains the best platform for advancing the interests of the North-Central zone.
The Forum reiterated its endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term, citing his administration’s policies and projects as beneficial to the region’s growth and stability.