2027: Again, Governor Sule insists on zoning, fairness

…holds valedictory session with APC State Exco

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Monday again assured that the forthcoming governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress would be conducted with utmost fairness, even as he met with the outgoing State Working Committee of the party for a valedictory session at the Government House in Lafia.

Governor Sule, who has on several occasions promised to play the game according to the rules, told the executive members led by state Chairman Dr. Aliyu Bello that his understanding of fairness would guide every decision leading to the emergence of the party’s flagbearer.

He stressed that while he has a preferred zone in mind, he is ready to accept whatever outcome God decides.

“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,” the Governor stated.

This latest pledge is consistent with previous assurances the Governor has given to party faithful and aspirants since political activities began gearing up for the primaries.

Governor Sule used the opportunity of the meeting to show appreciation to the outgoing state exco for their service over the years, as well as brief them on the transition that would come with the state congress.

He explained that the same principles applied during the ward and local government congresses would be adopted at the state level, including consensus building where possible and rotation of positions.

He noted that those who have served eight years may have to move on, though they could still be relevant in other capacities if stakeholders so decide. He appealed to those who may not make a return to take it in good faith, reminding them that no 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,” he added.

Commenting on the preparations leading to the 2027 guber election, the Governor reaffirmed that he has no enmity for any of the governorship aspirants of the party and that his administration tried to balance the interest of all during the just concluded ward and local government congresses.

“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 said.

In his response, Dr. Aliyu Bello thanked the Governor for his humility and for the unprecedented support given to the executive members during their tenure.

“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 said.