Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Yakubu Dogara and Governors Mutfwang and Kefas join delegation as National Patriots announce plans for Distinguished Patriotism Awards
By Headlinenews.News | 6 November 2026
Former Minister of Defence and elder statesman General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.) led a high-profile delegation featuring prominent Northern Christian leaders to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on 5 November 2026.
The engagement brought together influential figures from the North-Central and North-East to discuss security, national unity, development and political cooperation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Participants included Defence Minister General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas, former Chief of Army Staff General Ishaya Bamaiyi, businessman Thomas Etuh and Dr Pogu Bitrus. APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda was also reported among those present.
DANJUMA’S NATIONAL STANDING
General Danjuma’s leadership gave the visit considerable significance. A former Chief of Army Staff and Defence Minister, he remains a respected military elder and influential figure in the Middle Belt and wider national affairs. His participation alongside other Northern Christian personalities underscored the importance of dialogue across Nigeria’s regional and religious boundaries.
DOGARA CONFIRMS SOLIDARITY
Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, Dogara declared:
“We are here to show solidarity to Mr President.”
He indicated that the discussions included political cooperation and mobilising support for Tinubu. Dogara is from Bauchi State in the North-East, making “Northern Christian leaders” a more accurate description of the delegation than the narrower “Middle Belt leaders.”
Dogara also acknowledged improvements in security along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, which had suffered serious attacks, including the 2022 train assault.
“There has been remarkable improvement,” he said, while recognising that insecurity persisted in some communities.
Security remains essential to restoring farming, trade, travel and confidence among families affected by violence and displacement.
DEFENCE MINISTER MUSA AND SECURITY PRIORITIES
The presence of Defence Minister Christopher Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, reinforced the importance of security in the consultations. His participation alongside Danjuma and other military figures highlighted the need for continued coordination between federal authorities and communities confronting banditry, kidnapping and communal violence.
PLATEAU RECONCILIATION
Governor Mutfwang described efforts to rebuild trust across religious and ethnic divides in Plateau State.
He observed:
“Youth leaders across the divides of faith and ethnicity are beginning to have conversations without even government support.”
Such community-led dialogue complements security operations and offers a route towards durable peace, especially where conflict has disrupted livelihoods and relationships.
BEYOND RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC DIVISIONS
The presence of prominent Northern Christian figures in consultations with a Muslim President is politically noteworthy. It illustrates the possibility of cooperation based on national priorities rather than religious identity alone.
The visit cannot speak for every Northern Christian community, but it offers a visible example of leaders engaging across faith and regional lines. Dogara’s remarks also give the meeting an electoral dimension ahead of 2027. Its longer-term value will be measured by progress in security, reconciliation and citizens’ welfare.
NATIONAL PATRIOTS: TRUE PATRIOTS DESERVE RECOGNITION
The National Patriots commend General T. Y. Danjuma, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Yakubu Dogara, Governors Caleb Mutfwang and Agbu Kefas, and the other distinguished members of the delegation for their solidarity visit to President Tinubu.
The organisation interprets the engagement as an encouraging expression of confidence among these participating leaders in the President’s leadership, ongoing reforms and vision for Nigeria’s transformation. Danjuma’s involvement is especially meaningful given his distinguished military career, national standing and longstanding influence.
The National Patriots believe Nigeria must increasingly assess leadership by governance, security, development and improvements in living standards rather than ethnic or religious sentiment. In its view, the delegation’s engagement reflects the spirit of a nation capable of rising above old divisions to pursue shared progress.
The organisation also sees the visit as consistent with its “Three Years of Reform, Eight Years of Transformation” framework: economic stabilisation followed by stronger social protection, infrastructure, security and sustainable prosperity. Continuing constructive dialogue will be important in translating reform into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
Recognising the participants as True Patriots, the National Patriots announce plans to honour members of the delegation with National Patriots Awards for Distinguished Patriotism, National Unity and Leadership. The proposed awards will celebrate public service, national cohesion and the willingness to place Nigeria’s development above divisive considerations.
For the National Patriots, these leaders have demonstrated that national progress is a shared responsibility. Their engagement is an invitation to build bridges, deepen trust and focus on the destination: a more secure, united and prosperous Nigeria.
Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser, MFR
President, National Patriots
Member, APC-PCC Strategic Communications Committee 2027
