By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Jos
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufa’i, has said the party has the capacity to unite Plateau State if it assumes leadership in 2027.
El-Rufa’i said good leadership and people-centered policies of the ADC could restore unity and positive change in the state, despite its troubled past.
He stated this on Wednesday in Jos during the unveiling of the ADC National Contact and Mobilisation Office in Plateau State.
The former governor, who acknowledged that “things didn’t go down well” in the state over the years, insisted that sincere leadership could revive hope, urging residents to support the ADC to take charge at both state and national levels.
“Forty years ago, I visited Plateau every week because my fiancée did her NYSC here in Jos. Even after marriage, we visited regularly on weekends. But since then, things have gone in the wrong direction in Jos and Plateau State.
“I hope with better leadership at the state and national levels, we will be able to unite the people of Plateau across ethnic and religious lines so it can regain its place as the Home of Peace and Tourism. We pray God gives us the ability to unite you,” he said.
El-Rufa’i also noted that Nigerians were no longer satisfied with the PDP and APC, calling for a new political direction. He expressed confidence that, with the support of Plateau residents, the ADC would defeat the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections.
“I know everyone is tired of this APC and PDP government across the country. Everyone is looking up to ADC to save Nigeria. Governors from PDP are decamping to APC, but Nigerians are defecting to ADC. By God’s grace, 239 million Nigerians will defeat 25 governors.
“Nigerians have decided that in 2027, they will vote for ADC. What is ahead of us is to unite and bring all party members together and present good candidates with good policies. ADC is the only party that reserved 40% of leadership positions for the youth and 35% for women. It is a party for young people and women,” he said.
Plateau State Coordinator of the ADC Contact and Mobilisation, Hon. Jamilu Lawandi Datti, also addressed the gathering, lamenting youth unemployment, rising insecurity, and poor access to education and healthcare, especially in rural areas. He urged young Nigerians to rally behind the party for meaningful change.