By Jamilu Mazadu
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for the decisive stages of the 2027 electoral process in Plateau State, party leaders at both the state and national levels must carefully consider the implications of any decision concerning Hon. Adamu Aliyu, the member representing Jos North North Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly.
Across the constituency, there is a growing call from residents, stakeholders, and supporters urging the party to retain him as its candidate, arguing that recent allegations against him have failed to diminish the overwhelming confidence the people have in his leadership.
Many residents believe that the legal and political challenges surrounding Hon. Adamu Aliyu were, from the onset, driven by political interests aimed at damaging his reputation and removing him from the political equation. While the courts remain the appropriate venue for determining guilt or innocence, it is important to emphasize that the principle of justice enshrined in Nigeria’s legal system presumes every citizen innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
To deny Hon. Adamu Aliyu the opportunity to seek re-election based solely on allegations would not only undermine this fundamental principle but could also create a dangerous precedent where political opponents use accusations as tools to eliminate rivals.
Supporters further note that the APC itself has recently demonstrated respect for the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence. They point to the case of former Kogi State Governor, Hon. Yahaya Bello, who was cleared by the party to contest and subsequently won the APC senatorial primary for Kogi Central ahead of the 2027 general elections despite his ongoing court cases and EFCC trial.
The party recognized that allegations and pending litigation alone do not amount to guilt and should not automatically disqualify a party member from seeking elective office. Many residents of Jos North North therefore believe that applying a different standard to Hon. Adamu Aliyu would be unfair, inconsistent, and contrary to the democratic principles the APC has upheld in similar circumstances.
Beyond the legal considerations, the APC must pay close attention to the political reality on the ground. Jos North North remains one of the most populous and politically strategic constituencies in Plateau State. Available public sentiment indicates that Hon. Adamu Aliyu enjoys significant grassroots support across various communities.
Any attempt to sideline him despite his popularity could trigger widespread dissatisfaction among party supporters and constituents who view him as their preferred representative. Such a move risks alienating thousands of loyal voters whose frustration may ultimately be directed at the party itself during future elections.
Political parties succeed when they align with the aspirations of their supporters. In the case of Jos North North, many residents believe Hon. Adamu Aliyu has restored confidence in democratic governance through visible and impactful representation.
His tenure has been marked by projects and interventions that directly affect the daily lives of ordinary people. Constituents point to the construction and renovation of schools, support for healthcare facilities, and various community development projects as evidence of a representative who understands and responds to the needs of his people.
Security remains one of the most pressing concerns in many communities, and supporters credit Hon. Adamu Aliyu for taking deliberate steps to strengthen local security structures. Through assistance to conventional and non-conventional security outfits, including neighborhood security groups and vigilante organizations, as well as the installation of solar-powered street lights in several communities, residents say insecurity, criminal activities, and violence have been significantly reduced in many parts of the constituency.
Equally important is his commitment to inclusive leadership. In a constituency known for its diversity, Hon. Adamu Aliyu has earned praise for promoting unity among residents irrespective of religious, ethnic, or social backgrounds. His approach to governance has helped strengthen social cohesion and foster peaceful coexistence among different groups within the constituency. Supporters argue that this inclusive style of leadership represents the kind of politics needed to sustain peace and development in Plateau State.
His social intervention programmes have also touched the lives of many families. Through educational scholarships, payment of medical bills, and various forms of financial and humanitarian assistance, thousands of constituents have benefited directly from his representation. For many residents, these interventions are not mere political gestures but tangible demonstrations of responsive leadership and genuine concern for the welfare of the people.
For these reasons, supporters are appealing to APC leaders and stakeholders to place the interests of the people above political calculations. They argue that retaining Hon. Adamu Aliyu as the party’s candidate would not only reflect respect for the democratic wishes of the electorate but would also strengthen the APC’s chances of electoral success in Jos North North Constituency. Conversely, they warn that removing a candidate widely perceived as popular, effective, and innocent until proven guilty could damage public trust, weaken the party’s support base, and negatively affect its electoral fortunes.
The call from many residents is therefore straightforward: allow justice to take its course, respect the principle of innocence until proven guilty, and recognize the demonstrated achievements and widespread acceptance of Hon. Adamu Aliyu. In their view, the future of APC in Jos North North may well depend on the party’s willingness to listen to the voices of the people it seeks to represent.
