Senator Aliyu Wadada, the governorship candidate reportedly endorsed by Governor Abdullahi Sule for the upcoming Nasarawa State election, has made a direct appeal for support from former governor Tanko Al-Makura, just hours after Al-Makura publicly criticized the process that led to Wadada’s nomination. The visit, captured in a video shared on the X handle of @NigAffairs, marked a significant attempt at reconciliation amid growing tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. Wadada’s gesture comes as political factions within the party seek to unify ahead of the critical 2025 governorship race.
Al-Makura had earlier expressed strong reservations about Sule’s decision to back Wadada without consulting him, accusing the current governor of bypassing key party stakeholders. He also criticized the premature presentation of Wadada’s candidacy to President Bola Tinubu, a move he described as disrespectful to the party’s internal processes. Despite these criticisms, Wadada chose a conciliatory tone during the meeting, emphasizing unity and mutual respect.
In his address, Wadada praised Al-Makura’s leadership and acknowledged the foundation he laid for the state’s development. “All the people that are here, and the ones that are not here, they thank you, they thank you for your patience,” Wadada said, repeating the word “patience” three times to underscore its importance. He added, “After being grateful for your patience, we want to thank you for your leadership. You led this state and have laid a foundation. There’s no gainsaying that the foundation you laid was laid for me.”
The remark drew laughter and applause from those present, including Al-Makura, who reportedly smiled and laughed in response. Wadada then shifted focus to security and governance, stressing the collective responsibility of leaders to protect lives in Nasarawa. Speaking briefly in Hausa, he said, “Your Excellency, all of us here are saddled with the responsibility of protecting the lives of those in Nasarawa; you have that responsibility more than us.” He explained that Al-Makura, having been consulted during the creation of Nasarawa State, carries a unique historical and moral burden.
Wadada concluded by urging Al-Makura to remain patient and maintain open communication, while also praying for his good health and lasting peace in the state. The visit reflects a broader effort to heal divisions within the APC as the party prepares for the 2025 elections. With Wadada’s candidacy now formally backed by Governor Sule, the party’s internal dynamics will be closely watched in the coming months. This moment of outreach may signal a turning point in Nasarawa’s political landscape, as stakeholders seek to present a united front ahead of the polls.
Leave a Comment