Prof. Chris Kwaja has formally entered the race for the Plateau North Senatorial District seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after obtaining the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.
His acquisition of the forms marks a key development in the unfolding political contest within the senatorial district as aspirants intensify preparations ahead of the general elections.
Kwaja, in a brief reflection on his decision, described the move as a commitment to public service and a response to the collective aspirations of the people of Plateau North. He noted that the decision is anchored on the importance of effective representation and the responsibility of giving voice to the people at the national level.
He emphasized that his aspiration is rooted in the principles of inclusivity, justice, fairness, and equitable representation across all communities in the senatorial district. According to him, leadership must be anchored on service and a deep sense of responsibility to the people.
Kwaja further stated that his vision is to contribute to a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Plateau North, where governance reflects the genuine needs and aspirations of the people.
He expressed confidence in the power of collective voices, noting that meaningful progress is only possible when citizens are united in purpose and committed to shared development goals.
With this development, Prof. Kwaja joins the growing list of contenders under the APC seeking to secure the party’s ticket for the Plateau North Senatorial seat ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Professor Chris Kwaja
Is a distinguished Nigerian scholar, policy expert, and practitioner in the field of peace and security studies. He currently serves as a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the Centre for Peace and Security Studies (CPSS), Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, and has previously lectured at the University of Jos. He is also a Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development and a Global Fellow at the Brown University.
Professor Kwaja holds a PhD in International Relations and Strategic Studies and has built a career that bridges academia, governance, and international policy. Between 2011 and 2015, he served in the Plateau State Government as Director General of Research and Planning and later as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Internationally, he has held significant roles, including serving as Senior Advisor to the United States Institute of Peace and as the African Representative, and later Chairperson-Rapporteur—of the United Nations Working Group on Mercenaries. His work has contributed to major policy frameworks such as Nigeria’s National Livestock Transformation Plan and strategies addressing violent extremism in Northern Nigeria under the United Nations Development Programme.
A respected voice in African peace and security discourse, Professor Kwaja has authored over 90 scholarly and policy publications. His research spans conflict and peace studies, governance, human rights, identity politics, and security sector reform. Over the years, he has consulted for global institutions including the World Bank, European Union, and USAID, shaping evidence-based policy interventions across Nigeria and the wider African region.