Former Benue South All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate Comrade Daniel Onjeh is rooting for Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, as the National Chairman of the APC.
In a statement on Monday June 30, the founding member of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in Benue commended the appointment of Alhaji Ali Bukar Dalori as the interim National Chairman of the party, congratulating him and extolling his impeccable track record, credibility, and leadership credentials.
He expressed confidence in Dalori’s capacity to steer the party competently through this transitional phase as it prepares for its next National Convention, where a substantive chairman will be elected.
Onjeh, a former Chairman of the Governing Board of the Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, stated that should the party’s leadership resolve to return the chairmanship to the North Central geopolitical zone — where it was before the abrupt removal of Senator Abdullahi Adamu — Senator Al-Makura remains the most suitable and deserving candidate for the role.
“Senator Tanko Al-Makura has built enduring bridges of friendship and political alliance across all geopolitical zones of the country. He is deeply respected nationwide and possesses the breadth of experience and capacity needed to lead the APC at this pivotal moment,” Onjeh asserted.
He further argued that justice, equity, and fairness demand that the North Central region, which currently remains underrepresented in the upper echelons of national leadership, be entrusted with the party’s chairmanship.
“With the President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hailing from the South-West, and the Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, from the North-East, it is only fair that the North Central zone, which has made immense contributions to the party’s success, be considered for the APC’s topmost administrative position,” he stated.
Onjeh emphasised that Senator Al-Makura is not only a founding pillar of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), one of the legacy parties that merged to form the APC in 2013 but also remains one of the most loyal and steadfast figures from that bloc.
He pointed out that the other two major legacy parties — the ACN and the New PDP — are already well represented in the current administration.
For balance and cohesion, he argued, a CPC stalwart such as Al-Makura should be given the party’s reins.
He recounted the historical significance of Senator Al-Makura’s emergence as Governor of Nasarawa State in 2011 when the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) wielded enormous influence across the federation.
“Senator Al-Makura was the sole CPC governor elected in the entire country — a formidable achievement that underscored his political dexterity, bravery, and the faith reposed in him by the masses,” Onjeh recalled.
“At the height of PDP’s dominance, he resisted immense pressure to defect, choosing instead to remain loyal to the CPC — a rare feat that proved his unwavering integrity and ideological consistency.”
According to Onjeh, Al-Makura’s steadfastness and loyalty laid the groundwork for the CPC’s active role in the eventual formation of APC and its victory.
“Had he succumbed to the entreaties to abandon the CPC, President Muhammadu Buhari’s political trajectory may have faltered, and the history of the APC would have taken a very different path,” he posited.
Onjeh maintained that loyalty is the lifeblood of any political institution, and Senator Al-Makura exemplifies this virtue in abundance.
“Despite being overlooked during the last selection of the party chairman in favour of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and notwithstanding his exclusion from ministerial or federal appointments under the present administration, Senator Al-Makura has remained devoted to the APC, its leadership, and President Tinubu,” he noted.
“He continues to rally the CPC faction within the APC to remain loyal and active within the party structure, while others who are disgruntled and those who felt marginalised have since defected or resorted to undermining the party.”
He also highlighted the strategic advantage of having Senator Al-Makura at the helm of the APC. He posited that such a move would reassure discontented elements within the CPC bloc and dissuade them from aligning with anti-Tinubu forces.
“Ceding the chairmanship to Senator Al-Makura would not only consolidate the coalition upon which the APC was built, but would also strengthen internal party cohesion and promote a sense of inclusion for all founding groups.”
He added that handing the party’s chairmanship to Al-Makura will translate to giving the CPC component of the APC a greater stake in the party. This, he stressed, will make them feel a sense of belonging and have the assurance of inclusion in the administration of the party.
He added that Senator Al-Makura’s stature as a former two-term governor and senator provides him with the gravitas, networks, and goodwill to manage the complex dynamics of party leadership.
“As the immediate past Governor of Nasarawa State, he is still in touch with the contemporary realities and political challenges of the current crop of governors. He is therefore able to relate with them and has the requisite cordiality and mutual respect to coordinate harmoniously with them in advancing the party’s objectives as the 2027 General Elections approach.”
Addressing concerns from some quarters in the North Central who are advocating for a Christian to emerge as the next APC chairman, Onjeh urged Nigerians to rise above religious sentiments.
“Nigeria has since transcended the politics of religion. The successful election of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket by the APC in 2023 is a testament to this evolution,” he argued.
“Senator Al-Makura should not be excluded based on his faith. What Nigeria and our party need now are competent, loyal, and visionary leaders — not leaders selected based on creed.”
He added that hopefully, soon the nation will accept a Christian-Christian ticket (for both the President and Vice President) without anyone raising an eyebrow in confirmation of the philosophy behind voting for competence rather than for religious affiliation.
He further advocated for the adoption of consensus in selecting the next substantive chairman of the APC, citing the precedent set by the party when it adopted President Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 General Elections.
“The party’s endorsement of the President has given direction to its members and reduced tension in the party. If the same consensus is applied to selecting the party’s National Chairman, it will strengthen cohesion,” stressing that this would promote unity, minimise rancour, and strengthen party discipline, he said “Consensus should also be applied to selecting our new chairman. Senator Al-Makura stands out as the best consensus candidate.”
Onjeh reiterated endorsement of Senator Al-Makura, asserting that of all the top contenders who sought the APC national chairmanship during the previous selection process, only Senator Al-Makura has not been “settled” with a political appointment or position. “Senator Abdullahi Adamu became the party chairman, and Senator George Akume is now the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Al-Makura is the only one among them who remains uncompensated, yet he has not voiced any grievances or defected,” he said. “In the spirit of justice, equity, and reward for loyalty, it is only fitting that he be entrusted with the national chairmanship of our great party.”
He urged the leadership of the APC to act promptly in resolving the issue of party leadership to enable members to refocus on the urgent task of party consolidation, grassroots mobilisation, and strategic planning for 2027. “Delays only risk creating avoidable divisions. Now is the time for decisive, inclusive, and just leadership. Senator Tanko Al-Makura is that leader.”
