By Agabus Pwanagba
The Plateau North Unity Forum has declared support for the senatorial aspiration of Prof. Danladi Abok Atu ahead of the 2027 elections, describing him as “a symbol of unity” needed to address underdevelopment in the zone.
Addressing journalists in Jos the State Capital, Da Timothy Choji Kim, speaking on behalf of the Forum, said the group gathered “not merely to make a political statement, but to reaffirm a vision, one rooted in shared humanity, collective progress, and a future defined by cooperation rather than division.”
Da Kim stated that the Forum comprises “diverse persons across the different ethnic nationalities in all the six Local Government Areas of the Plateau North Senatorial Zone.”
He explained that after “careful scrutiny of the representation” in the Red Chamber, the Forum concluded that “the zone has been grossly underrepresented and has consequently experienced meagre progress and underdevelopment.”
He added: “Such underdevelopment mostly stems from a lack of unity among the different nationalities within the zone. Indeed, other fault lines that impede the unity of our people include religion and cultural differences.”
According to him, “One cardinal objective of the Forum is to X-ray the possibility of a new dawn among our people that will culminate in having representation in the Red Chamber that will be guided by the enhancement of unity within the zone.”
He said achieving this would ensure “the hitherto elusive progress and development in the zone become a thing of the past.”
The Forum is guided by the motto: “Our Diversity, Our Strength.”
Da Kim stressed: “This motto is not just a slogan; it is a philosophy of engagement and a framework for sustainable development.
“In a society as richly diverse as ours across ethnicity, religion, culture, age, and gender we believe that our differences should not divide us, but rather serve as a foundation for innovation, resilience, and unity.”
He said the Forum is “deliberately all inclusive, devoid of religious bias, ethnic coloration, generational discrimination, or gender exclusion.
“We are a Forum of the people, by the people, and for the peoplewhere every voice matters and every individual counts.”
Da Kim noted there is “a compelling need for quality legislative representation that goes beyond mere presence in chambers, but one that is impactful, responsive, and transformative.”
The Forum seeks “a personality with an unequalled pedigree someone who has been tested and trusted over time, whose record in public service inspires confidence, and whose contributions to society are both measurable and enduring.”
He added that the times demand “a leader with the capacity to weather storms a personality who is resilient, hardworking, and unshaken in the face of challenges.
He maintained that, there is need for “a leader whose religion is humanity a person who sees beyond divisions, who values every life equally, and who is committed to justice, fairness, and inclusion irrespective of background or belief.”
“It is within this carefully considered background that the Forum presents one of the zone’s most illustrious personalities who fits the desired criteria already enumerated to represent the zone in the Red Chamber come 2027,” Da Kim declared.
“The Forum, therefore, after careful scrutiny of the rich pool of personalities within the zone, unanimously settles on Professor Danladi Abok Atu.”
He described Prof. Atu as “a man of proven academic excellence and intellectual depth,” noting his Ph.D. in Social Studies, specializing in Peace Education and Social Rehabilitation.
“From his days as Secretary and later Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council to his impactful tenure as Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Professor Atu has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead, manage complex systems, and deliver results,” he said.
Da Kim highlighted Prof. Atu’s “deep-rooted connection with the grassroots,” calling him “a man of the people” whose “widespread acceptance across communities in Plateau North is a testament to years of building trust, nurturing relationships, and standing with the people in times of need.”
The Forum thanked Governor Caleb Mutfwang “for promoting the unity of Plateau State through constant dialogue.
He called on “all well-meaning citizens, stakeholders, and leaders across Plateau North to join us in this noble cause. Let us rise above divisions and work together to build a future defined by unity, progress, and shared prosperity not just for Plateau North, but for Nigeria as a whole.”
