2027: Nasarawa South declare support, loyalty to Governor Sule
Leaders and stakeholders from the Nasarawa South Senatorial District have resolved to stand firmly behind Governor Abdullahi Sule, declaring that they are waiting for his guide on who to support during the 2027 election.
This commitment was the central message at a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders from the zone, which held at the Government House on Monday.
Stakeholders from Nasarawa South, under the leadership of the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura, declared their loyalty to Governor Sule, insisting that they are ready to support him once he shows the direction on who will succeed him come 2027.
The stakeholders agreed that since the creation of the state, each of the three zones have always contested for the governorship election and as such, it is wrong to bar anybody from aspiring to become governor of the state.
In his opening remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Senator Al-makura said the zone supports every aspirant’s constitutional right to contest, whether zoning is discussed or not, emphasizing that it is wrong to deny any zone from contesting.
The former governor assured that he is convinced that Governor Sule will choose his successor in the best interest of the people of the state and that Nasarawa South Senatorial District will support his decision.
He however appealed for peace among aspirants so that when Governor Sule eventually picks his successor, the party can collectively support that person.
He expressed confidence that the Governor, as a gentleman, will do what is right for the state, with the leaders present to offer counsel.
“Looking back at the 2019 governorship election, nothing contributed more to the success of the election of Governor Sule than the fairness and transparent processes of the primary election. It is evidently clear that the people of Nasarawa State are not regretting the election of A. A Sule. Because of that, we will also like A. A. Sule to do what we will not regret in bringing his successor,” he said.
State Chairman of the APC, Dr. Aliyu Bello, stated that the purpose of the meeting was to show the Governor that the southern zone is united and will move as a block once a decision is made.
Bello recalled that since the creation of Nasarawa State, governorship contests have always been open to all zones, but the party has always followed the direction of its leader.
He cited the example of the 2019 primaries where many aspirants contested and, after a fair process, accepted the outcome.
“We came here to show you that our zone is united. That we are going to go as a block by the time the decision has been taken,” he said.
According to him, destiny is greater than ambition and that the people of the zone are ready to “Muje Maha” once Governor Sule gives the direction.
He thanked the Governor for numerous projects in the southern zone, including the first flyover and underpass in Lafia, as well as oil exploration activities in Obi and Keana.
In a goodwill message, Ambassador Umaru Suleiman Azore highlighted that the Nasarawa South zone is the most populous and hosts the state capital.
He confirmed that every aspirant has a right to contest, but since the state’s creation, the zone has always waited for guidance from the sitting Governor to ensure the party’s interest and peaceful coexistence.
He said the Governor deserves the privilege to point the way forward so that his good work can continue, a fact he believes even opposition parties acknowledge.
In his speech as Special Guest of Honour at the event, Governor Sule called for decorum as aspirants for the position of governor of the state embark on early campaigns, urging them not to heat the polity.
The Governor affirmed that the Nigerian constitution gives every citizen the right to contest for any office, and he will not stop anyone from campaigning, but however restated his earlier call on those still holding political appointments to resign if they wish to campaign fully.
“Everybody has come here to say one thing that I have always said. The constitution of Nigeria allows not just the aspirants but any citizen of this state to contest for the office of the governor. Nobody can stop it. Nobody has any right to stop it and I am someone that believes in democracy, live in a democratic nation. I can’t stop it and I am not interested in stopping it,” he stated.
He thanked his immediate predecessor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura for his support during his own election but made it clear that he will not be forced to name a successor this early.
Governor Sule appealed to all aspirants to avoid heating up the polity, noting that his eventual support for a candidate does not automatically guarantee victory, as seen in other states.
He pointed out that with Nasarawa’s emerging economic prospects, he is only interested in someone who is coming to effectively manage the state’s resources, promising to consult widely with party leaders when the time is right.
He equally promised to support the party’s candidate financially from his own pocket, emphasizing that he will not take money from any aspirant.
“When the times comes I will consult. I will consult with the right people that I need to consult with. When I consult with them, I will tell them, this is the person I have in mind. If majority of them believe that is not the right person, we will collectively think together and come out with the right person,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the state’s growing economy and prospects, stating that his goal is to hand over to a competent APC governor who can manage the state’s resources well.
In attendance at the meeting include Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, member representing Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, members of the State House of Assembly from the zone, commissioners, present and former political office holders, as well as APC guber aspirants from the zone namely, Dr. Joseph Kigbu, Hassan Liman (SAN), and IGP Mohammed Adamu (rtd).
