The North Central Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has shocked political observers by declaring that it will not enter an alliance with the North-East and North-West ahead of the 2027 general election. This bold stance follows comments by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who at an event in Abuja, urged opposition parties to unite and form a broad coalition to challenge the ruling APC. However, the North-Central zone has made it clear it will not be part of any such coalition, particularly one that includes the North-East and North-West.
The decision comes from the forum’s dissatisfaction over the 2015 coalition that led to the rise of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Despite their significant role in forming the APC, the North Central feels sidelined. According to the statement signed by Saleh Zazzaga, the Chairman of the forum, the North Central played a crucial role in the coalition, contributing Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, yet was rewarded with minimal political power during Buhari’s administration.
North Central’s Frustrations: A History of Relegation
The forum’s statement makes it clear: the North-Central zone won’t make the same mistake again. They voiced their frustration over being relegated during Buhari’s tenure, which they claim neglected their region in key areas like infrastructure development, road repairs, and security. Despite being a key player in the APC’s rise, the region says it was overlooked when it came to securing vital federal appointments. The situation became more evident when the position of Speaker was given to Lagos, despite the North-Central’s involvement in the coalition.
“The North-Central brought a sitting governor in the coalition. Many of the other zones did not bring anything,” Zazzaga said. The resentment is palpable, with the North Central feeling left out of major government benefits like appointments and infrastructure development. This, according to the forum, created a wide gap that only worsened the region’s woes.
North Central’s Bold Declaration for 2027 Election
With the 2027 elections looming, the North-Central APC Forum insists that politicians like Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai are only pursuing their own self-interest. “Whatever Atiku Abubakar and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai are doing is for their own benefit, not even in the interest of the North-East and North-West,” the forum declared. They argued that politicians attacking President Bola Tinubu today are merely frustrated individuals with personal grievances rather than genuine concern for the country.
Despite the talk of a possible coalition, the North-Central Forum remains confident that Tinubu’s administration will win the 2027 election, claiming the performance of the current government will be enough to ensure victory. The forum’s position is clear: no alliance with the North-East or North-West, at least not this time around. In their view, these political games will have little effect on Tinubu’s re-election bid, which they believe is secure based on his government’s performance.
