Alfred Dapal Damiyal (ADD) is a seasoned energy executive, entrepreneur, and reform-driven political leader with more than 27 years’ experience delivering results in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. His career demonstrates a consistent pattern of leadership, technical competence, and strategic decision-making in complex environments.
With this depth of experience, he brings a practical understanding of governance, resource management, and institutional coordination qualities increasingly seen as essential for addressing Plateau State’s evolving challenges.
ROOTED IN HERITAGE AND GUIDED BY VALUES
Born on September 10, 1971, in Mangun, Plateau State, ADD comes from the respected family of His Royal Highness, Da Ali Dapal Damiyal, the late Mishkaham Mwaghavul. His upbringing was shaped by strong values of discipline, integrity, and service principles that continue to define his approach to leadership and public life.
A committed Christian and member of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), he is married to Mrs Patricia Dapal, and they have four children. His personal life reflects stability and a strong sense of responsibility, which he extends into his professional and public engagements.
STRONG ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATION
ADD’s academic journey demonstrates a strong foundation in science and technical expertise. He began his early education at Baptist Primary School in Mangu and later attended Gindiri Boys Secondary School, where he obtained his Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). He holds a B.Sc. in Geology and Mining from the University of Jos, as well as an M.Sc. and a PhD (in view) in Sedimentology from the University of Calabar.
In addition to his formal education, he has undertaken specialised training in petroleum exploration, production, and management in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Italy. This combination of academic depth and international exposure has shaped his analytical approach to problem-solving and policy thinking.
A CAREER DEFINED BY RESPONSIBILITY AND RESULTS
Throughout his career, ADD has held senior roles in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, managing high-value operations within joint-venture frameworks and complex regulatory environments. His experience includes overseeing multi-billion-dollar projects, ensuring compliance, and driving efficiency in demanding environments.
Colleagues and industry observers often note his ability to balance technical precision with strategic oversight, which translates well into governance and public administration.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION
Beyond his corporate career, ADD has demonstrated a strong commitment to enterprise development. As Chairman of the Restim Group, he leads a diversified portfolio spanning transportation, manufacturing, and mechanised agriculture.
These ventures have created employment for over 100 Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, contributing to livelihoods and local economic activity. His involvement in agriculture and small-scale industry reflects a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Plateau’s economy.
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SOCIAL IMPACT
ADD’s engagement extends beyond business and professional life into community service. Through the Tabitha Grateful Heart Foundation, he has supported initiatives to assist vulnerable populations, promote empowerment, and encourage inclusive development.
This aspect of his work highlights a broader commitment to social responsibility and the belief that leadership should translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
NOT A NEW ENTRANT: A CONSISTENT PARTICIPANT IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
ADD is not a new entrant in Plateau politics. He actively participated in the 2022 governorship primaries under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), demonstrating both his interest in public service and his willingness to engage through established democratic processes.
His continued involvement reflects persistence, experience, and a growing familiarity with the political landscape. It also signals a long-term commitment rather than a one-time ambition.
A CLEAR AND PRACTICAL VISION FOR PLATEAU
As a governorship aspirant for 2027, ADD presents a reform-oriented agenda anchored in his guiding philosophy of NEW THINKING, a call for more deliberate, proactive, and people-centred governance.
His vision focuses on addressing key areas critical to Plateau State’s development, including:
Strengthening security through coordinated institutional action and community engagement
Driving economic growth through diversification, agriculture, and enterprise support
Expanding employment opportunities, particularly for young people
Promoting transparency, accountability, and trust in governance
Building unity and cooperation across Plateau’s diverse communities
His approach emphasises not just policy formulation, but effective implementation and measurable outcomes.
CONCLUSION: EXPERIENCE, CONSISTENCY, AND READINESS TO LEAD
Alfred Dapal Damiyal (ADD) stands at the intersection of professional experience, entrepreneurial capacity, and political engagement. His background provides him with both the technical understanding and leadership exposure required to navigate the complexities of governance.
As Plateau State looks toward 2027, his profile presents a combination of experience, consistency, and preparedness qualities that position him as a serious contender in the conversation about the state’s future.
The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC-PCC, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has criticised those accusing the ruling party of failing to address insecurity, saying they did nothing to tackle the problem for over 20 years.
Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, while defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over its handling of insecurity.
"Those who are saying we don't have a plan for security, I want to remind them that they did nothing about insecurity for over 20 years because it started during their time," Yari said
The former governor of Zamfara State assured Nigerians that the APC would implement its manifesto, adding that the party expected to achieve almost all its promises by 2031.
Yari also expressed confidence in the APC's chances in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election.
He said political leaders and influential figures in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.
Yari further praised Tinubu's leadership, particularly over the increase in revenue accruing to the Federation Account.
He recalled that the President inherited a federation account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but said the figure had since risen to trillions of naira.
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.
The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.
Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.
Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.
He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.
Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.
"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."
Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.
He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.
Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.
He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."
Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.