By Israel Adamu, Jos
The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has called on political leaders and elders in the region, currently in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties, to join the APC for the continued development of the region.
In a statement released on Monday, the Forum emphasized that the APC-led government of President Bola Tinubu is committed to addressing the region’s challenges and ensuring its progress.
Signed by the Forum’s chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, the statement identified key opposition leaders being encouraged to switch to the APC, including former Senate Presidents David Mark and Bukola Saraki, ex-governors Jonah Jang (Plateau), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and former PDP National Chairman, Prof. Iyorchia Ayu.
The Forum noted that under PDP rule, the North-Central suffered neglect and marginalization, while under the APC, the region has witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure, governance, and security.
“North-Central Must Prioritize Development Over Party Loyalty”
“We urge our respected North-Central leaders to put the region’s development ahead of party loyalty,” the statement read. “Unlike previous administrations, the APC under President Tinubu has prioritized North-Central’s progress, earning our endorsement for his second term.”
The Forum highlighted ongoing federal projects in the region, such as:
- Road infrastructure development, including major highways like Jos-Akwanga, Makurdi-Otukpa, Lokoja-Abuja, and Minna-Bida roads.
- The establishment of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC) to fast-track economic growth.
- Key political appointments for North-Central leaders, such as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), held by Sen. George Akume, and top ministerial positions in justice, information, humanitarian affairs, and water resources.
APC Forum Assures Security, Economic Growth
The Forum also credited President Tinubu’s leadership for reducing insecurity in the North-Central, allowing farmers to return to their fields.
“Before now, farming was nearly impossible due to insecurity. However, with President Tinubu’s firm security measures, our people can now cultivate and harvest their crops safely,” the statement added.
PDP Leaders Sidelined, Should Consider APC
The Forum further claimed that PDP’s current leadership has sidelined North-Central political figures, making the APC a better platform for their influence and contributions.
“Eminent leaders like Saraki, Ayu, Mark, Jang, Suswam, Ortom, and Babangida Aliyu have been sidelined in the PDP. In the APC, they will be valued and given the platform to continue serving the people of the North-Central,” it stated.
Reaffirming its support for President Tinubu, the Forum urged the region’s political elite to align with the APC for the benefit of their people and the overall development of North-Central Nigeria.
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