You’ve worn many political hats , which chapter of your journey best defines who you are today?
My political journey has been shaped by years of active service at both the local and national levels. I began as an elected Councillor in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and later served as a Legislative assistant in the National Assembly. I went on to hold the positions of secretary of the Abuja Council and secretary of AMAC, where I contributed to strengthening local governance.
In addition, I represented the North Central region as a Board Member of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and served as the managing director of the AMAC Investment and Property Development Company. I was also a candidate for the House of Representatives, contesting to represent the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency under the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).
How would you assess the APC’s current dominance in the North Central region, and what is your message to key political figures like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike amid ongoing national challenges?
The All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the most formidable political force in the North Central region. Our strength comes from consistent engagement with the people and our ability to deliver on core promises of good governance. We’ve worked hard to maintain unity within the party, expand our membership base, and ensure inclusiveness across all levels.
Beyond politics, we are deeply concerned about the challenges facing the nation, especially insecurity, unemployment, and local governance inefficiency. These issues affect the lives of everyday Nigerians, and as a party, we are committed to working with relevant stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.
As for the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, we recognise his political strength and leadership capacity. My appeal to him is simple: join hands with the ruling party, where his experience and influence can further advance the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
As the zonal secretary for the North Central, what would you describe as the APC’s biggest achievements since its inception, and what major challenge is the party currently working to address?
The APC in the North Central has remained a vibrant and dominant political force since its inception. In Niger State, we have sustained an unbroken record of electoral victories. In Kwara, we successfully ended years of PDP control, while in Kogi, the party achieved a seamless leadership transition from Governor Yahaya Bello to Governor Usman Ododo. Both Nasarawa and Benue, under the leadership of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, continue to stand strong as APC-controlled states.
Our major challenge at the moment is Plateau State, where we experienced a setback in the last general election. However, with our National chairman hailing from the state, we are confident that the party will bounce back stronger. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), we have been addressing internal party issues as well as the concerns surrounding the 25 per cent vote share debate in the last election. Our goal is not only to meet the constitutional threshold next time but to secure a decisive victory for the APC in the FCT.
How would you describe the level of unity within the APC in the North Central zone, and what steps are being taken to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of future elections?
Generally, we have no major internal issues. Our governors are effectively managing the situation in their respective states, and we continue to operate as one united family. Of course, in politics, it’s normal to have a few individuals who may feel overlooked, but we are addressing that through inclusive strategies and reconciliation efforts.
We have constituted committees to harmonise interests and held several stakeholders’ meetings to ensure that everyone has a voice in the party’s direction. These engagements will continue as we work toward maintaining unity and focus. The North Central delivered impressive votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last election, and by God’s grace, we are confident of securing total victory for him in 2027.
How would you assess President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance so far, especially in relation to the North Central zone, and what are the people’s expectations as we approach 2027?
Focusing on the North Central, we gave President Tinubu a landslide victory in the last election, and by God’s grace, we will do so again in 2027. The President is doing his best, ensuring that funds are disbursed to governors, many of whom are equally working hard to deliver results at the state level.
To be sincere, the current complaints about hunger and insecurity are the outcomes of long-standing issues that accumulated over time. Such deep-rooted challenges cannot be fixed overnight. It’s like treating a dislocation , you feel pain during the healing process. These are the pains Nigerians are experiencing now. However, with the ongoing reforms and steady progress in governance, I am confident that the North Central will reward the President with even greater support in 2027.
What is your assessment of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s performance so far, and what is the APC’s position regarding his continued membership in the PDP?
Truthfully, when he was appointed, we were delighted because of his proven track record and experience. His appointment gave us hope, considering his political pedigree , from being a local government chairman to a two-term governor, a presidential aspirant, and now the Minister of the FCT.
However, his decision to remain in the PDP under an APC-led administration came as a surprise to many of us. While we acknowledge that he is doing an outstanding job and has brought visible transformation to the FCT, we strongly believe that the Minister of the FCT, serving under an APC government, should naturally be the political leader of the party in the territory.
That is the core of our concern. We are appealing to him to see the APC stakeholders in the FCT as his team on the ground , his political field workers. The PDP, in truth, is already on life support; its end is only a matter of time. Wike has made this administration proud, and if he decides to officially join the APC, he can be assured of our total loyalty and support. But even if he chooses to remain where he is, we urge him to carry us along, just as the President carried him along by entrusting him with such a critical role.
What would it mean for the APC if FCT Minister Nyesom Wike heeds your appeal and joins the party?
Absolutely, if he accepts our appeal, it would be a cause for celebration. He is a tremendous asset, and his extensive experience would be a major addition to the APC. Our appeal is rooted in both principle and strategy , his current party is on life support, and his departure would deliver a decisive blow to the PDP while strengthening our party’s presence and effectiveness in the FCT.
How would you assess the performance of the current AMAC chairman, particularly in terms of development and outreach?
The AMA chairman, has truly transformed the way people in rural communities perceive governance. AMAC is a vast area, and many of its remote communities rarely see vehicles or government presence except on market days. The skyscrapers in the city centre are only a small part of AMAC, and his focus has been on taking development to the hinterlands , something no previous chairman has done as aggressively. He is fortunate to have a minister who shares and supports this vision.
Thanks to his dedication to development, outreach, and poverty alleviation, there is virtually no opposition in AMAC now, by God’s grace. Most complaints come from the city centre, where residents sometimes expect duplicate projects. But that is not feasible while the FCTA manages urban infrastructure. His commitment to the remote areas is precisely what AMAC needs at this time.
What is your perspective on the security challenges facing the North Central region, and what measures should be prioritised to address them?
Security is a complex and multifaceted issue. The North Central has been facing security challenges at an unprecedented level. I strongly call on the governors in the region to convene a North Central Security Summit. This summit should bring together all key stakeholders, including serving security chiefs as well as retired generals and senior police officers from the region. These individuals have an intimate understanding of the local terrain and challenges, and they are well-positioned to propose practical, actionable solutions that the government can implement to restore safety and stability.
What is the APC’s stance on political crossovers, and what message do you have for leaders still outside the party?
The APC is like a gigantic ship navigating the ocean, and anyone wishing to join us is welcome aboard. This is a home with room for everyone. We are appealing to those still hesitating to make the move now, because timing matters , after an election, such a shift loses much of its impact. Our goal is to win every state in Nigeria, and anyone who is influential in another party is influential enough for us to reach out to. By joining us, they can make an even greater impact within a party that is focused on progress and results.
With many parties struggling to win elections, do you think Nigeria is moving toward a one-party state?
The reality is that many political parties are no longer viable. When parties cannot even win a single councillorship seat, it becomes a drain on Nigerian resources. While we are far from a one-party state with PDP governors and emerging parties like the ADC , the opposition is gradually shrinking, and the political landscape is clearly consolidating.
