Nasarawa State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains have issued a stern warning to Senator Ahmed Wadada, the party’s gubernatorial aspirant, over his alleged claims of presidential support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The party elders, including Zamani Daniel and Ibrahim Tukur, condemned Wadada’s tactics, urging him to refrain from intimidating his rivals with unsubstantiated claims of presidential backing. They emphasized that such actions undermine the democratic process and could damage the party’s credibility in the state.
The APC leaders stated that President Tinubu is a committed democrat who respects the will of the people and does not handpick candidates. They expressed surprise and concern that Wadada would publicly claim presidential endorsement, especially when other aspirants have stronger grassroots support and longer party records. “We know Mr. President to be a true democrat and a believer in upholding the wishes of the majority,” they said, reiterating that democracy is a game of numbers, not personal connections.
They stressed that aspirants must now campaign directly to the people, as the party has adopted direct primaries to ensure transparency and fairness. “Anyone who thinks he is popular enough should market himself to the people,” the chieftains added. They warned against using “crooked means” to secure endorsements, urging all candidates to compete on merit and public appeal rather than political patronage.
The warning comes amid growing tension within the APC in Nasarawa State, especially after incumbent Governor Abdullahi Sule publicly endorsed Wadada’s governorship bid. Sule’s backing has sparked criticism from party members who feel it gives Wadada an unfair advantage. Some see the endorsement as a move to consolidate power, rather than promote fair competition within the party.
Senator Wadada, who was initially elected under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), recently resigned from the APC, a move that has further complicated his political positioning. His switch in party allegiance has raised questions about his loyalty and long-term commitment to the APC platform. Despite this, he continues to position himself as a frontrunner, citing his alleged proximity to the president.
The APC chieftains’ statement serves as a clear message that the party will not tolerate any form of intimidation or undue influence in the selection process. They called on all aspirants to respect the democratic principles of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. As the race for the Nasarawa State governorship heats up, the party’s internal dynamics will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. The coming weeks will reveal whether Wadada can sustain his momentum or if the party’s leadership will enforce its stance on fair competition.
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