Nasarawa Govt Defends Sule’s Wadada Endorsement Amid Al-Makura Criticism

The Nasarawa State Government has responded to former governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s criticism of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s endorsement of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred governorship aspirant for the 2027 elections. In a statement issued by Ali Abare, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, the government asserted that Governor Sule acted in accordance with established political norms within the state.

The statement emphasized the need to clarify the situation, showing respect for Senator Al-Makura’s contributions to the state’s history. It highlighted that the endorsement process involved extensive consultations with stakeholders from various sectors and all aspirants, asserting, “This is not the conduct of someone who woke up one morning to impose a candidate. This is careful, deliberate leadership.” Officials noted that Governor Sule’s approach aligns with the political tradition in Nasarawa State, where former governors have historically selected their successors.

Furthermore, the government reminded that the very process Senator Al-Makura now criticizes is the same one that facilitated Governor Sule’s rise to office. The statement also referenced Al-Makura’s earlier remarks at an APC stakeholders meeting in Lafia, where he expressed confidence that Governor Sule would choose his successor in the best interest of the state. “He urged the entire party to rally behind whoever Sule selected. Those were his own words,” the statement pointed out.

Regarding the governor’s introduction of Wadada to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government described this action as a responsible political practice. “Informing the national leader of the party about a major political development in one’s state is not only proper; it is the responsible thing to do,” the statement explained. The government clarified that Wadada is currently only a “preferred aspirant,” emphasizing that the final candidate will be determined through party primaries. “The Governor has said clearly that he came in through free and fair primaries and will conduct the same,” the statement concluded, urging unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the 2027 elections approach.