by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Air Vice Marshal Napoleon Bali (Rtd), who was duly elected Senator for the Southern Zone Senatorial District under People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but was denied by the Court of Appeal, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) political party.
According to him, his decision to join the APC is informed by what he described as “structural weaknesses” in his former party, the PDP. “This is my party now; and I am proud to belong to it.
He stressed that, “Renewed ambition is a security-focused legislative agenda. Leadership is fundamentally about service,” while noting that peace and stability in Southern Plateau remain his top priorities.
The retired Air Vice Marshal Bali made the declaration on Tuesday,, at the APC State Congress held at the Landfield in Jos, where delegates from across Plateau State gathered to elect new party executives through a consensus-driven process.
While declaring his intention to stage a political comeback under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bali expressed confidence that he can replicate the electoral upset that once saw him defeat an incumbent Senator Lalong to emerge as Senator representing Southern Plateau.
Bali, who served 35 years in the Nigerian Air Force before venturing into politics in 2023, recalled his dramatic entry into the political arena, saying that, he defeated an incumbent Senator-cum former Governor of Plateau State in the senatorial contest that year, but said his mandate was later nullified by the court, adding that, as a democrat, he accepted the court’s decision without rancor.
During his five-month tenure in the Senate, retired Air Vice Marshal Bali said he advocated for increased deployment of security personnel, improved training for the armed forces and police, and expanded night operations to counter attacks by non-state actors.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for steps taken to strengthen security operations nationwide, including increasing troop numbers and decentralizing training centers, Bali, however, emphasized that intensified night patrols and operations remain critical to curbing violence.
“My vision is to return to the National Assembly, work closely with my colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to making Nigeria a safer and more development-oriented country,” he said.
Responding to questions about whether history could repeat itself under a different political platform, Bali said the ultimate decision rests with the electorate in Southern Plateau.
He expressed strong confidence in his grassroots connection, stating that since the truncation of his mandate, he has maintained consistent engagement with constituents across the six local government areas of the senatorial district.
Of worthy note, he added that, his outreach has included sinking boreholes to provide potable water, supporting renovation projects, and offering financial assistance to small-scale entrepreneurs, particularly women.
“I have not stopped connecting with my people. I believe I remain firmly rooted at the grassroots and, by the grace of God, history will repeat itself,” he stated.
The APC State Congress itself was described by party stakeholders as peaceful and well-organized. Delegates were accredited and called forward local-government-by-local-government in preparation for the affirmation of consensus candidates.
Political observers say the congress marks a strategic moment for the APC in Plateau State as it consolidates internal structures ahead of forthcoming electoral contests.
However, the gathering was more than a routine party exercise; it was a platform to signal Bali’s readiness for another political battle – one he believes could once again reshape the electoral landscape of Southern Plateau.