APC Deputy nat’l chairman north: Real reasons why Moniedafe deserves the coveted prize
By Mohammed Ismail
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares to conduct its congresses ahead of the party’s next national convention, the ruling party stands at another defining moment in its political evolution. Leadership decisions made during this period will not only determine the direction of the party internally but will also shape its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
One position that occupies a strategic place in the party’s leadership structure is that of the Deputy National Chairman (North). The office plays a critical role in coordinating party activities across the vast northern region and ensuring that the APC maintains its political dominance in an area that historically determines the outcome of national elections.
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As the party seeks the right candidate to occupy this strategic position, it must prioritize competence, loyalty, ideological consistency and a proven record of sacrifice for the party’s stability. In this regard, Chief Sunny Sylvester Moniedafe stands out as one of the most deserving aspirants for the office.
Moniedafe is not just another aspirant seeking recognition within the party hierarchy. He is a founding pillar who has remained steadfast in the APC’s journey through moments of triumph and turbulence. At times when many political actors shifted alliances in search of convenience, Moniedafe remained loyal to the party’s ideals and leadership.
His record of sacrifice for the APC is remarkable. During the party’s previous national convention, he demonstrated uncommon commitment to party unity by stepping down from the race despite having already spent about N10 million to purchase the nomination form. Such gestures are rare in contemporary Nigerian politics where personal ambition often supersedes party interest.
This single act of selflessness illustrates a deeper quality that the APC desperately needs at this stage of its growth: leaders who place institutional stability above personal gains.
Moniedafe’s contributions to the party’s expansion across northern Nigeria are well documented. As a founding member of the political tendency that eventually evolved into the APC, he deployed his vast network and political experience to strengthen the party’s structures in the North.
These efforts contributed significantly to the party’s remarkable electoral victories since 2015, when the APC achieved the historic feat of defeating an incumbent government at the federal level.
His political journey predates the formation of the APC. As an active member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), he rose through the ranks by dint of hard work, ideological commitment and grassroots mobilisation.
Between 2007 and 2010, he served as Chairman of the ACN in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a role that placed him at the centre of strategic party operations. During that period, he participated actively in the political and legal struggles that eventually restored the mandates of progressive governors such as Dr. Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti State and Engr. Rauf Aregbesola in Osun State.
His political courage was further demonstrated when he openly supported the presidential aspiration of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, a principled position that ultimately cost him a second term as FCT chairman. For Moniedafe, however, standing by conviction has always mattered more than holding office.
With the emergence of the APC, Moniedafe continued to serve the party in various strategic capacities. He chaired the APC Plateau State Governorship and House of Assembly Primaries Committee that produced Governor Simon Lalong, and also led several Vice-Presidential Town Hall engagements for Professor Yemi Osinbajo in states such as Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Adamawa.
These assignments demonstrate the level of trust the party leadership has consistently placed in his organisational abilities and political judgement.
Perhaps one of Moniedafe’s most remarkable attributes is his capacity to build bridges across Nigeria’s complex ethnic and religious divides. Born on September 23, 1956, in Jimeta, Adamawa State and of Urhobo ancestry, his life story represents the ideal of inclusive citizenship.
Although ancestrally linked to the Niger Delta, his identity and political commitment are deeply rooted in Adamawa State where he was born, raised and has served for decades. In the multicultural environment of Jimeta-Yola, he developed a worldview that rejects ethnic chauvinism and religious bigotry.
This philosophy of inclusive politics has earned him acceptance across communities and political tendencies in the state and beyond earning him the coveted traditional title of Jagaban Jimeta.
Moniedafe’s commitment to party unity has also been evident in moments of difficult political decisions. Despite being a senior Pentecostal pastor in the North East, he publicly supported the APC’s controversial Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket during the 2023 elections, prioritising party cohesion and constitutional order above sectarian sentiments.
Such maturity is rare in a political environment often defined by emotional rhetoric and identity politics.
Moniedafe’s civic engagements span diplomacy, youth development and sports administration. He was part of Nigeria’s delegation to the 63rd United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York in 2019 and has also served in leadership roles within the Nigerian Volleyball Federation.
These experiences have broadened his national and international exposure, equipping him with perspectives that extend beyond partisan politics.
Academically trained at the University of Maiduguri and the University of Lagos, with further doctoral studies in policy analysis, Moniedafe combines intellectual depth with practical political experience. Known for his calm temperament, administrative discipline and conflict mediation skills, he has earned widespread respect among party stakeholders.
At a time when the APC must consolidate its structures across northern Nigeria in preparation for the next electoral cycle, the party requires leaders who possess experience, integrity and proven loyalty.
Chief Sunny Sylvester Moniedafe represents these qualities.
Giving him the opportunity to serve as Deputy National Chairman (North) will not merely be a reward for years of dedication. It will also be a strategic decision that strengthens the APC’s organisational capacity and unity ahead of the 2027;electoral contest.
Ismail writes from Yola.
