Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has accused his predecessor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, of overstepping his bounds by attempting to influence the selection of his successor in the upcoming 2027 gubernatorial election. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Sule emphasized that while Al-Makura has the right to support any candidate he prefers, trying to impose a choice on him crosses a line. The governor, who is set to complete his constitutionally mandated two-term tenure in 2027, stressed that political influence should not extend beyond personal preference into directive power.
Sule’s remarks come amid growing tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, particularly over his endorsement of Ahmed Wadada as his preferred candidate for the party’s governorship ticket. He acknowledged that Al-Makura has his own preferred aspirant, but argued that the former governor’s attempt to dictate the choice is inappropriate. “As an individual, he had a preferred aspirant. And he has a right to have a preferred aspirant. And his preferred aspirant may not be my preferred aspirant,” Sule said. “But to the point where now you say, ‘I will select an aspirant for you to take over from you’, I think that’s overdoing it.”
The governor further explained that his decision is rooted in zoning principles, which he believes are essential for equitable representation in governance. He pointed out that returning power to a zone that has already held the governorship for 12 years would be unjust. “Because of the fact that they come from two different zones, and I strongly believed then, I believe now, and I believe tomorrow that it will not be fair to still go back to a zone that has just finished 12 years. That’s my justification,” he stated.
Sule also revealed that he consulted with key political figures, including both former and current presidents, to ensure transparency and inclusivity in his decision-making process. He described these consultations as a privilege, not a requirement, and noted that he also engaged stakeholders from the western zone before finalizing his support for Wadada. “I have gone to see the former president; I have gone to see the current president. I have carried them along. That’s not a right, that’s a privilege,” he said.
He added that Al-Makura was present at most stakeholder meetings, including some that became heated, such as one where a disagreement between Al-Makura and a former ambassador forced him to cut the session short. “Every meeting of the stakeholders, he was invited to every event we ever had,” Sule affirmed. Despite this, he maintained that his decision to back Wadada was independent and based on fairness and zoning equity.
As the 2027 gubernatorial race approaches, Sule’s stance underscores the deepening political dynamics within Nasarawa State, where legacy, zoning, and succession are shaping the party’s internal debates. The governor’s position sets the stage for a potentially contested primary, with implications for APC unity and the broader political landscape in the state.
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