ABUJA — The North Central Forum for Peace and Development (NCFPD) has thrown its weight behind former Plateau State Governor, Senator Joshua Dariye, as the preferred candidate for the position of National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released on Monday, the group described Dariye as a “detribalised and selfless leader” with the experience, character, and political insight required to lead the ruling party into future electoral victories.
The statement, jointly signed by prominent forum members from across the North Central region — including representatives from Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory — was led by National Coordinator Haruna Musa. Other signatories included Musa Haruna, Alaku Ogulu Abubakar, Umar Adamu Musa, Isiaka Sule, Tenimu O. Idris, Momoh Danga Yahaya, Alhaji Ali Baba Gagare, and Sunday Danat Gulot.
The forum also commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and the progress made under the Renewed Hope Agenda. However, it emphasized the importance of unity and inclusion in choosing the next national party leader, arguing that Dariye’s appointment would strengthen internal cohesion and widen the APC’s national appeal.
“It is our firm belief that the APC should consider, as its National Chairman, a detribalised and selfless administrator with a proven record of electoral victories and wide political experience,” said Musa Haruna on behalf of the forum.
The NCFPD cited Dariye’s previous leadership roles, including his tenure as Governor of Plateau State and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, as evidence of his capacity to handle complex political terrain while maintaining peace and stability.
The group acknowledged the legal challenges Dariye faced in the past but maintained that he remained steadfast in his democratic convictions. “Senator Joshua Dariye has consistently shown himself to be a man of peace and vision, fully committed to the ideals of the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President,” the statement read.
According to the forum, opinion polls conducted within the region indicated strong grassroots support for Dariye, whom they believe would bring both regional and religious balance to the APC’s leadership structure.
“It is our strong position that the selection of H.E. Joshua Dariye, from the North Central region and of the Christian faith, as National Chairman of the APC, will significantly boost the party’s image and support base,” the group added.
The NCFPD called on President Tinubu and the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) to endorse Dariye, expressing confidence in his ability to unite the party and drive its agenda effectively.
