A brewing political rift has emerged within the Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress as a former governor of the state, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, openly faulted Governor Abdullahi Sule for announcing a preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election without consulting key stakeholders.
Al-Makura, who described the move as premature and capable of undermining internal party democracy, said he was neither informed nor carried along before the governor publicly endorsed Aliyu Ahmed Wadada as his choice to succeed him.
The former governor made the remarks on Saturday in Lafia while addressing journalists shortly after receiving a former Inspector-General of Police, Mohamed Abubakar Adamu, who is also contesting the governorship under the APC.
“I was never consulted as a major stakeholder before the pronouncement of a preferred successor. While it may be the governor’s personal decision, it is rather too early. The electoral process is in stages, and we are still at the point where individuals are indicating interest,” Al-Makura said.
He warned that early endorsement of aspirants could distort the party’s nomination process, stressing that the APC had yet to commence the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms.
“Since the process is yet to commence, whoever is his preferential candidate or successor, it is his own. He has every democratic right to wish to have someone he wants to vote for because he has one vote like each one of us.
“I also think it is too early that such a preferred candidate be taken to Mr.
President at this stage. What is the hurry? Let us wait and ensure that we comply with the guidelines of the party,” he added.
Al-Makura, however, pledged that the party would adhere to its decision to adopt direct primaries, assuring that due process would prevail.
“We are going to respect the rule of law and ensure that the most qualified person emerges, and that such a person will secure the majority of votes of the people of Nasarawa State,” he said.
He further urged political leaders to emulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his leadership style promotes discipline and respect for internal democracy.
In his remarks, Adamu alleged bias among party executives in the state, accusing them of openly backing Senator Wadada.
“But we are not distracted. The people of Nasarawa State are the determining factors in this process. The governor, as an individual, has the right to support anyone, but that should not manifest within government structures,” he said.
“Calling on government officials to support a particular aspirant is wrong,” he added.
Earlier, speaking at a rally organised by the Ciroma electoral ward in Lafia, Adamu hailed the adoption of direct primaries, describing it as a victory for internal democracy.
“Direct primary means one member, one vote. No governor, no cabal can decide for you. The party has spoken, and that decision stands.
“I am in this race to the very end. We are contenders, and we are ready. Our blueprint for a safer, more united and prosperous Nasarawa State is ready,” he stated.
The governor’s endorsement of a preferred candidate has continued to generate mixed reactions across the state, with party stakeholders sharply divided over its timing and implications ahead of the APC primaries.
