2027: Again, Gov Sule insists on zoning, fairness in APC Gov’ship polls
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Monday reiterated his commitment to utmost fairness and zoning principles in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary ahead of the 2027 elections, even as he hosted a valedictory session with the outgoing State Working Committee at the Government House in Lafia, assuring party stakeholders that his personal understanding of equity would guide the process while leaving room for divine intervention.
Speaking directly to the executive members led by State Chairman Dr. Aliyu Bello, the governor, who has repeatedly pledged to adhere strictly to the rules of the game, emphasised that decisions leading to the emergence of the party’s flagbearer would be anchored on fairness, revealing that he has a preferred zone in mind but remains open to whatever outcome God decrees.
“I want to be fair, I want to be fair, I want to be fair based on my understanding of fairness. We will support a zone that I think it’s fair to support that zone. Anyone who does not like it is his own business. That is my position. But if God says it is not what you think, Sule, I am supporting so, so and so zone. I will say Alhamdulillah,” Governor Sule declared, underscoring the consistency of this pledge with his previous assurances to party faithful and aspirants as political activities intensify towards the primaries.
The valedictory meeting also provided Governor Sule the platform to express profound gratitude to the outgoing state executive committee for their years of service, while briefing them on the impending state congress and the principles that would govern it, including consensus building where feasible and the rotation of positions in line with established practices from the recently concluded ward and local government congresses.
He noted that individuals who have served two terms, eight years, might need to step aside, though they could remain relevant in other roles if stakeholders deem fit, appealing to all to accept such transitions gracefully as no political position is hereditary.
“We have had successful ward and local government congresses, and I want to thank you, the party, for everything that you have done in order for us to get to where we are. I appreciate you, I commend you. Now, we are going into the state congress,” the governor added, reinforcing his administration’s efforts to balance interests during the lower-level congresses.
Further commenting on preparations for the 2027 governorship election, Governor Sule reaffirmed having no personal enmity towards any APC aspirants, insisting that it is others who perceive him as an adversary while he harbours none, and pledging full support for whichever candidate emerges as the party’s standard-bearer.
“I don’t have any enemy amongst the aspirants. I keep telling you guys. It is people who are considering themselves my enemy. I don’t have a single enemy, especially among the aspirants. Every aspirants that is there, if God wants to give that aspirant power, that aspirant will become our own candidate. Once we have one of our aspirants as a candidate, as the Governor, I owe it upon myself to work for that candidate. That is the best that I can do. I want to finish and go without having any rancor here and there,” he stated passionately, aiming to exit his tenure without bitterness.
In response, Dr. Aliyu Bello, on behalf of the 36-member executive, profusely thanked the governor for his humility and the unprecedented support extended during their tenure, describing the journey as exceptionally rewarding.
“Your Excellency, my own is to thank you on behalf of all of us. We are 36 in number. The journey with you was so sweet, fantastic. All of us appreciate what you have done for us. Except if you are an ingrate. From the time you came in, we didn’t know how much our allowance was; we know what we are collecting now, and we know the patronage we have been getting from you,” Bello remarked, highlighting the tangible improvements in their welfare under Sule’s leadership.
