APC crisis deepens in Nasarawa as Sule’s endorsement of Wadada sparks backlash

Fresh divisions have emerged within the Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following Governor Abdullahi Sule’s endorsement of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election.

 

What appeared to be a routine political move has triggered dissent among key stakeholders, exposing cracks within the ruling party ahead of the polls.

 

Governor Sule had last week publicly backed the senator representing Nasarawa West, describing him as the embodiment of the administration’s “Muje Maha” philosophy of inclusiveness and governance.

 

“We have to look for people who have the capacity to win this election… this is the period that Muje Maha is Wadada,” the governor said.

 

However, the endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from influential party figures, including former governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who faulted both the timing and process.

 

“I was never consulted. This is an aberration. It is too hasty at a time when the party has not even released guidelines,” Al-Makura stated, stressing the need for due process and broader stakeholder engagement.

 

Responding through his media aide, Governor Sule dismissed claims of imposition, insisting the move was in line with political tradition.

 

“This is careful, deliberate leadership, not imposition,” the statement read, adding that presenting Wadada to President Bola Tinubu was appropriate.

 

The development has also unsettled other aspirants. Former Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar Adamu, declared he would contest the race, maintaining that the endorsement does not amount to an election.

 

Despite the pushback, the Majority Caucus of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Danladi Jatau, has thrown its weight behind Wadada, urging other aspirants to support him in the interest of party unity.

 

Beyond internal party tensions, the controversy has reignited debates over zoning and power rotation in the state. While the governor insists the ticket should go to Nasarawa West, some stakeholders argue that equity should reflect federal constituencies that have yet to produce a governor.

 

A coalition of political and community leaders warned against returning power to the Keffi axis, insisting that the Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency deserves consideration.

 

“It is unjustifiable to return the governorship ticket to the same federal constituency. Equity demands inclusion,” the group said.