North Central APC Group Insists On Chairmanship Slot, Backs Al-Makura

A forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from Nigeria’s North-Central region has demanded the return of the party’s National Chairmanship to the zone, insisting that their current control of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) does not disqualify them from also producing the next chairman.

The North-Central APC Forum, led by Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, made the declaration in a statement issued Saturday in Abuja, pushing back against claims that the region should relinquish one of the top positions.

They argued that the North-Central deserves both offices due to its strong support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election and its dominant position within the party. According to the group, the zone delivered over 1.7 million votes to the APC and currently holds five out of six governorship seats in the region.

The Forum threw its weight behind former Nasarawa State governor and ex-senator, Tanko Al-Makura, describing him as a loyal party man with a solid track record. They also emphasized that the CPC bloc — one of the founding components of the APC — is yet to produce a national chairman, unlike the other legacy parties.

Addressing calls that a Christian should be selected for the role, the group warned against politicizing religion. “North-Central is a secular region,” they said, accusing some of those behind the campaign of working against the APC in 2023 and backing Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

They urged President Tinubu to ignore religious lobbying and instead reward loyalty, competence, and experience — qualities they believe Al-Makura brings to the table.

They cited Al-Makura’s long political journey, from his early days in the Second Republic to serving as a governor and senator, and his involvement in key reconciliation efforts within the APC. His acceptance of consensus arrangements in past party leadership contests, they added, reflects his commitment to unity and discipline.

The Forum concluded by calling on the APC to adhere to its zoning agreement and return the chairmanship to the North-Central region in recognition of its contributions to the party’s success.