Sen. Napoleon Bali
By Pamson Musa
Sen. Napoleon Bali, a retired Air Vice Marshal, who won the Senate seat for Plateau South in 2023 against incumbent Sen. Simon Lalong on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but was sacked by the Court of Appeal has declared his intention to recontest the seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bali made his decision known in a statement he personally issued to the media.
The former lawmaker, who recently defected from the PDP to APC, said that the PDP remains deeply rooted among his constituents, but the party’s prolonged leadership and legal challenges had created uncertainties that made it imperative for him to reconsider his political path in APC.
He explained that the decision to contest for the position again was taken after a careful reflection and in good faith, following consultations with some critical stakeholders in Plateau South, and the State at large.
Bali noted that he joined partisan politics upon his retirement with the objectives of advancing the cause of his people and also to contribute to national security and good governance.
While pledging his loyalty to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, who also recently defected from PDP to APC, Bali stressed that his decision was in the spirit of unity and respect for the collective will of stakeholders and supporters, adding that his decision aligned with the prevailing position on the way forward.
The statement reads in full as follows:
I respectfully bring warm greetings to the people of Plateau South and wish us all a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
Following my retirement from the Nigerian Air Force in 2019, I joined partisan politics with the objectives of advancing the cause of our people and also to contribute to national security and good governance.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) provided me the platform to contest the 2023 Plateau South Senatorial election, an election we won convincingly, before judicial decisions cut short our mandate.
I sincerely appreciate your support and other political parties who massively voted for me in that February 2023 elections.
While the PDP remains deeply rooted among our people, the party’s prolonged leadership and legal challenges have created uncertainties that make it imperative to reconsider our political path.
In the spirit of unity and respect for the collective will of stakeholders and supporters, I have aligned with the prevailing position on the way forward.
In this regard, and in recognition of the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, whose commitment to the development of Plateau State remains evident.
I have resolved to stand with him in pursuing the best interests of Plateau South and the State at large, by declaring my intention to contest for Plateau South Senatorial Seat, by the Grace of God.
The formal ceremony will take place as soon as consultations are concluded with the leaders of APC at all levels.
Accordingly, I have resigned my membership from the PDP to actualise this aspiration.
This decision was taken together with some key stakeholders in Plateau South and the State at large, after careful reflection and in good faith.
For me, leadership is about service, not position. I remain committed to delivering development, engaging all citizens irrespective of party affiliation, and working tirelessly for the welfare of our people.
I therefore kindly request for your support. Thank you and God bless.
Sen. AVM (Rtd) Napoleon Bali
