2027 Battle Lines: Sule Brokers Peace Among Nasarawa APC Governorship Aspirants
By Yahaya Idris, Abuja
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has convened a high-level meeting with governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterating his commitment to party unity and a peaceful primary process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The strategic gathering, which took place on Sunday at the Governors Lodge in Abuja shortly after the party’s National Convention, brought together all declared aspirants, alongside key political stakeholders including former governors and senior party figures.
Among those in attendance were former governors, Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, and former Deputy Governor Silas Ali Agara.
The guber aspirants at the meeting include, Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, Alhaji Musa Muhammed Maikaya, Dr. Shuaib Faisal, Arch. Shehu Tukur, Egr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna and others
The meeting, described by insiders as timely and crucial, focused on fostering cohesion among party members and laying the groundwork for a rancour-free primary election.
Addressing the aspirants, Governor Sule commended their active participation in the party’s recent e-registration exercise, noting that Nasarawa State ranked among the top 12 states nationwide despite its relatively small population.
He further applauded their collective efforts during the party congresses at the ward, local government, zonal, and state levels, which he said were widely regarded as some of the most peaceful in the state’s political history.
Drawing from his experience in the 2019 governorship election, the Governor emphasized the importance of solidarity among aspirants, stressing that no individual could secure victory without the backing of others.
He recalled how aspirants who lost during the primaries rallied behind the eventual candidate, describing the gesture as a model for party conduct as preparations intensify for 2027.
On the mode of primaries, Governor Sule disclosed that the decision between adopting a direct primary or a consensus arrangement would not be imposed by him but collectively determined by the aspirants and the party.
He assured stakeholders of his willingness to abide by whichever option is agreed upon, underscoring his commitment to fairness and internal democracy.
The Governor also revisited the issue of zoning, reaffirming it as a long-standing political tradition in Nasarawa State since 2007.
He traced its application through successive administrations, including those of former governors Adamu and Al-Makura, acknowledging that he too benefited from the arrangement.
While expressing a personal preference for a candidate from a particular zone, Sule maintained that aspirants from other zones were at liberty to contest, emphasizing inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Addressing concerns over the exclusion of some aspirants from the initial invitation list, the Governor clarified that such omissions were due to the absence of formal declarations of interest with the party.
He, however, extended an open invitation to those affected, noting that no aspirant should be excluded from the ongoing consultations in the spirit of unity and fairness.
Governor Sule further reminded party members of the array of elective positions available in the 2027 elections, including three senatorial seats, five House of Representatives seats, and 24 State Assembly positions.
He encouraged aspirants who may not emerge as governorship candidates to consider other opportunities to serve, thereby strengthening the party’s chances across all levels.
In his closing remarks, the Governor issued a strong appeal against bitterness, factionalism, and internal conflict, warning that disunity could undermine the party’s electoral prospects and ultimately harm the state.
He maintained that he harbours no personal grievances against any aspirant, stressing that his primary objective is to ensure APC’s victory across board in 2027.
“We are about to commence the primaries, and as you are aware, the options have now been streamlined to two, direct or consensus. The indirect method has been removed from the Electoral Act. To demonstrate my sincerity, I will not impose any decision; we will collectively agree as a party on the method to adopt, and I am fully committed to whatever is decided,” the Governor stated.
He added, however, that while he remains transparent and open throughout the process, it does not preclude him from expressing a personal preference regarding zoning and aspirants, noting that stakeholders are free to either align with his position or chart their own course.
