The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, has convened a Northern Zone Expanded Stakeholders Meeting in Plateau State to strengthen unity, encourage political participation and promote peace and development across the area.

The meeting, which drew political party leaders, elder statesmen, stakeholders and political office holders from across the Northern Zone of Plateau State, was held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Jonggrand Hotel, Bukuru.

Speaking at the engagement, Dr. Doro said the meeting was organised to interface with his constituency in the Plateau North Senatorial District, particularly in light of the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) electronic registration exercise.

“I am here to assess the situation, encourage participation and ensure that my constituency and Plateau State at large are adequately captured in the registration process. I am also here to interface with the people and encourage unity,” he said.

The minister explained that the forum also provided an opportunity to receive and encourage individuals who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, stressing the need for cohesion and cooperation among party members.

“Together we must work for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and for the success of our Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang,” Dr. Doro added.

He noted that the meeting forms part of early preparations to position the APC ahead of future elections, describing it as a mobilisation platform aimed at ensuring party members are adequately prepared to engage at the federal, state and local government levels.

Beyond politics, the minister expressed concern over recurring security challenges in Plateau North and their humanitarian consequences. He said his ministry is prioritising what he described as the humanitarian–development–peace nexus, which seeks to address crises through sustained peacebuilding and peaceful coexistence.

“When we have peace, there will be less need for humanitarian intervention, and when there is less humanitarian intervention, we will have development and human capital growth,” he said.

Dr. Doro also disclosed that his ministry is set to hold its inaugural Council on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Cross River State from Tuesday, January 27, where representatives from all states will converge to harmonise policies and develop a unified national approach to poverty reduction.

He expressed optimism that continued stakeholder engagement, coordinated peacebuilding efforts and harmonised policies would significantly enhance stability and socio-economic development in Plateau State and across the country.