By Israel Adamu, Jos
A political pressure group, the North Central APC Forum, has called on former House of Representatives member and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barrister Edward Pwajok, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.The call was contained in a statement issued in Jos by the Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Saleh Mandong Zazzaga. The group said Pwajok’s political experience, legal pedigree, and grassroots support would strengthen the APC in Plateau State and the wider North Central region.Pwajok represented Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency in the 8th National Assembly from 2015 to 2019.
He is currently a stalwart of the Labour Party (LP) and previously served as Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.According to Zazzaga, the forum believes Pwajok’s political ideology and record of public service align more closely with the APC’s progressive agenda. He noted that joining the ruling party would position Pwajok to contribute more effectively to governance and development at both state and national levels.“ One of the major reasons for urging Barrister Edward Pwajok to join the APC is that he has consistently demonstrated progressive ideals through his words and actions,” Zazzaga said.
“Joining the APC will place him on the same page with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who both have the interest of Plateau State at heart.” The forum also advised Pwajok not to be discouraged by what it described as “seasonal politicians,” urging him instead to work with established leaders to advance development in Plateau State. Zazzaga added that Pwajok would be a valuable asset to the APC due to his wide acceptance and organic support base across local government areas, particularly within Plateau North Senatorial District. He described Pwajok as a grassroots-oriented leader, mentor, and political mobiliser, expressing confidence that his defection would significantly boost the APC’s prospects in the state.
The North Central APC Forum highlighted Pwajok’s extensive public service record, noting that he served as Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice from 2007 to 2014, under the administrations of former governors Michael Bot Mang and Jonah David Jang. His tenure remains the longest in that position in the state’s history. During his time as Attorney General, Pwajok contributed to the drafting of key state laws and served on several statutory bodies, including the State Judicial Service Commission and the Body of Benchers. In 2016, he was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), one of the highest honors in the Nigerian legal profession. He is also a Life Bencher and has handled landmark cases up to the Supreme Court.As a federal lawmaker, Pwajok chaired the House Committee on Human Rights, where he played a role in legislative oversight and advocacy for civil liberties.
Politically, Pwajok has been affiliated with multiple parties over the years. He was initially a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), later joined the APC, and defected to the Labour Party in 2022. In the 2023 elections, he emerged as the Labour Party’s deputy governorship candidate, running alongside Dr. Patrick Dakum in Plateau State.The forum concluded by expressing optimism that Pwajok’s return to the APC would be a “game-changer” for the party as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum across the North Central region.
