Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule’s reportedly preferred governorship candidate, Senator Aliyu Wadada, recently visited former governor Tanko Al-Makura in an effort to secure his support. This visit came just hours after Al-Makura publicly criticized the process that led to Wadada’s emergence as the candidate. Al-Makura had expressed his discontent with Sule for failing to consult him prior to endorsing Wadada and for prematurely presenting the candidate to the President.
During the visit, Wadada adopted a conciliatory tone, praising Al-Makura’s leadership and appealing for unity among party members. In a video shared on the X handle of @NigAffairs, Wadada acknowledged the former governor’s contributions, stating, “All the people that are here, and the ones that are not here, they thank you, they thank you for your patience.” He emphasized the importance of patience, saying, “I mentioned patience three times; you and I know what I mean.” Wadada went on to recognize Al-Makura’s role in the state’s development, expressing gratitude for the foundation he laid: “There’s no gainsaying that the foundation you laid was laid for me.” This remark elicited laughter from Al-Makura and applause from those present.
Wadada also highlighted the critical responsibility of protecting lives in the state, briefly switching to Hausa to reinforce his message: “Your Excellency, all of us here are saddled with the responsibility of protecting the lives of those in Nasarawa; you have that responsibility more than us.” He pointed out that Al-Makura, having been consulted during the creation of Nasarawa State, bears a greater responsibility in this regard. The senator urged Al-Makura to remain patient and maintain open lines of communication with him, while also praying for the former governor’s good health and for lasting peace in the state.
This visit occurs amid rising tensions within Nasarawa’s political circles regarding the succession process. Al-Makura’s public dissatisfaction signals potential rifts between key political figures in the state as the governorship election approaches. His criticism of Sule’s approach indicates a breakdown in the traditional consensus-building mechanisms that have historically guided political transitions in Nasarawa. Political analysts suggest that securing Al-Makura’s support could be crucial for Wadada’s campaign, given the former governor’s extensive political network and influence. The outcome of this reconciliation effort may significantly affect the dynamics of the upcoming election and the cohesion of the ruling party in Nasarawa State.
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