Fresh cracks have surfaced within the Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following Governor Abdullahi Sule’s public endorsement of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship race.
What initially appeared to be a routine political move has instead ignited tension, exposing deep divisions among party stakeholders as the state inches toward the next general elections.
Governor Sule, while announcing his support last Thursday, described Wadada—who represents Nasarawa West—as the embodiment of the “Muje Maha” philosophy, a governance approach centered on inclusivity and collective progress. He urged party loyalists to rally behind the senator, emphasizing the need to back a candidate with strong electoral prospects.
However, the endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from influential figures within the party. Former governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura openly rejected the move, describing it as premature and lacking proper consultation. He revealed that he was neither informed nor involved before Wadada was presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Al-Makura insisted that while the governor has the right to support any aspirant, due process must be respected. He cautioned against rushing decisions before the party releases official guidelines for the primaries.
In response, Governor Sule defended his action, maintaining that it aligns with established political traditions in the state. Through his media aide, he described the move as “careful, deliberate leadership” rather than an imposition, adding that informing the president was both strategic and appropriate.
The controversy has further intensified with the reaction of former Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Adamu, who is also eyeing the governorship seat. Adamu dismissed the endorsement as inconsequential, vowing to contest and defeat the governor’s preferred candidate at the primaries.
Despite the growing dissent, the Majority Caucus of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Danladi Jatau, has declared full support for Wadada, urging other aspirants to align with the governor’s decision in the interest of party unity.
Beyond internal disagreements, questions are also being raised about Wadada’s readiness for leadership. Political analyst Charles Agum criticized the senator’s recent public engagements, suggesting a lack of depth and issue-based discourse.
Meanwhile, some party members fear the early endorsement could alienate other aspirants and trigger resistance during the primaries. Former APC Publicity Secretary Douglas Otaru warned that the development could harm the party’s chances in 2027, accusing the governor of bias and calling for a transparent and credible selection process.
The unfolding crisis has also revived debates over zoning and power rotation in the state. While Governor Sule argues that the governorship should shift to Nasarawa West for equity, others insist that Nasarawa South deserves to complete what they describe as an unfinished tenure cycle.
Adding another layer to the dispute, a coalition of religious, political, and indigenous stakeholders has rejected any move to return power to the Keffi axis, arguing that the Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency has yet to produce a governor and should be considered in the interest of fairness.
The group warned that any perceived imposition of a candidate could deepen divisions within the APC and weaken its chances in the 2027 elections.
As tensions continue to mount, the battle for Nasarawa’s top seat is shaping up to be a defining test of unity and internal democracy within the ruling party.
