Governors and leaders of the ruling APC in North Central Nigeria held a high-powered zonal meeting on Saturday to discuss the party’s growth and the region’s developmental priorities. The meeting, held in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, commended President Bola Tinubu for his impressive handling of national issues, including reforms expected to enhance sustainable development.
The leaders expressed strong support for establishing the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to address the region’s significant challenges, such as infrastructural deficits, banditry, and frequent flooding, which have hampered both subsistence and large-scale farming.
The leaders also called for the dredging of the River Niger, the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill in Lokoja, respect for the rights of APC lawmakers in Plateau State, and more high-profile appointments for party loyalists from the region.
The meeting saw attendance from key figures, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Engr. Sule Abdullahi (Nasarawa), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Hyacinth Alia (Benue). Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago was represented at the event, which also drew several Senators, House of Representatives members, Ministers, House of Assembly members, and senior party executives from across the region.
APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, his predecessor Adamu Abdullahi, and National Secretary Dr. Bashiru Ajibola also attended, delivering solidarity messages. Senator Akume praised the initiative to unify APC leaders for regional growth, affirming President Tinubu’s appreciation for the party’s contributions in North Central and his commitment to rewarding their loyalty.
Akume announced upcoming infrastructural projects for the region, addressing observed imbalances in recent appointments. He mentioned the imminent commencement of major road projects, including the Makurdi-Enugu, Akwanga-Jos, and Lokoja-South West routes, along with several road projects within Kwara State.
Governor AbdulRazaq, the Nigeria Governors Forum Chairman and APC Coordinating Governor for North Central, expressed gratitude to members and stakeholders for their support and unity. He emphasised the need for a development commission for the region and assured continuous efforts to secure more appointments and major projects.
“As leaders, we acknowledge the calls for improvement in the reward system within our party. We have raised this concern with the President, who is receptive to our suggestions for measurable changes in what comes to this region moving forward,” AbdulRazaq said. He announced the formation of two committees from the meeting: one on reconciliation and the other on project and policy formulation, aimed at uniting the party and aligning government projects with regional aspirations.
Governor Sule of Nasarawa, the host, called for greater unity and collaboration among leaders to achieve development, peace, and security. He commended the impressive attendance, marking a new positive beginning for the party and the region.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State highlighted insecurity as the region’s major challenge, stressing the need for unity and resource pooling to address it. He supported calls for the NCDC and other interventions, noting the region’s struggle with the 2022 floods that displaced thousands.
Governor Ododo of Kogi echoed his colleagues’ sentiments, emphasising the need for synergy to tackle regional issues. “We need a safer North Central to have a better and safer Nigeria because this region is central to the country,” he said.
Dr. Ganduje highlighted the meeting as a result of ongoing reforms within the party, aimed at keeping APC active throughout the year. He announced the establishment of the Progressive Institute to train leaders and members on key democratic principles and progressive policies.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Wase, called for regional unity, citing the abandonment of key infrastructural projects like the Baro Port road. He also addressed concerns about the treatment of APC lawmakers in Plateau and called for the completion of tax credit road projects.
“We have been hit by many crises, and we definitely need the North Central Development Commission. We also need and deserve more appointments in the region,” Wase concluded.
