The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has issued a public invitation to prominent political figures in the North-Central region, particularly those currently aligned with opposition parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to join the ruling APC. The Forum argues that the APC, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, is the only political platform that can genuinely safeguard and advance the interests of the North-Central zone. This appeal is directed at influential figures such as former Senate Presidents David Mark and Bukola Saraki, former governors including Jonah Jang (Plateau), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Gabriel Suswam and Samuel Ortom (Benue), and former PDP National Chairman, Professor Iyorchia Ayu. The Forum contends that the region experienced neglect and marginalization during the PDP’s tenure, a stark contrast to the current administration’s focus on the North-Central’s development.
The core of the Forum’s argument rests on the premise that the North-Central region is experiencing tangible benefits under the APC government, a stark contrast to the alleged neglect suffered during the PDP’s reign. The Forum emphasizes President Tinubu’s commitment to the region, citing him as a responsive leader attentive to the needs of the North-Central populace. They highlight the ongoing development projects initiated by the current administration as evidence of this commitment, urging the targeted political leaders to prioritize regional development over party loyalty. The invitation underscores the APC’s belief in its capacity to drive progress and deliver tangible benefits to the people of the North-Central.
The Forum points to the revitalization of critical road networks within the North-Central region as a testament to the APC government’s commitment to infrastructure development. These road projects, which include 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, were allegedly neglected during the PDP’s administration, falling into disrepair. The Forum emphasizes that these crucial infrastructure projects are now receiving the necessary attention and funding from the Federal Government under the APC’s leadership. This focus on infrastructure development, they argue, is a clear indication of the APC’s dedication to improving the lives and economic prospects of the people in the North-Central region.
A significant development highlighted by the Forum is the recent establishment of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC). President Tinubu’s signing of the NCDC bill into law is presented as further proof of his responsiveness to the needs of the region. The Forum asserts that this commission, which they actively advocated for, will serve as a catalyst for accelerated development within the North-Central, bringing the region on par with other geopolitical zones that benefit from similar development commissions. This action, according to the Forum, underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring equitable development across the nation and addressing historical imbalances in regional development.
The Forum’s appeal to prominent opposition figures in the North-Central region can be seen as a strategic move to consolidate the APC’s political influence within the zone. By inviting these influential figures to join the ruling party, the APC aims to broaden its base of support and potentially weaken the opposition’s hold in the region. This outreach also reflects the APC’s confidence in its developmental agenda and its belief that this agenda resonates with the aspirations of the people in the North-Central. The emphasis on the alleged neglect experienced under the previous administration serves to further this narrative and position the APC as the sole champion of the region’s development.
In essence, the North-Central APC Forum’s message can be summarized as a call for unity and collaboration for the betterment of the region. They argue that the APC offers the best platform for achieving this goal and urge prominent political figures in the North-Central to join forces with the ruling party to drive the region’s progress. The Forum leverages tangible examples of ongoing development projects, such as road rehabilitation and the establishment of the NCDC, to underscore the APC’s commitment to the region’s development and to persuade opposition figures to align themselves with the party’s vision. The implicit message is that the APC is the vehicle for the North-Central’s future prosperity and that joining the party is an act of aligning with the region’s best interests.
