Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule’s reportedly preferred governorship candidate, Senator Aliyu Wadada, has visited former governor Tanko Al-Makura in a bid to secure his support, hours after Al-Makura publicly criticised the process that led to Wadada’s emergence.
Al-Makura had earlier faulted Sule for failing to consult him before endorsing Wadada and for prematurely presenting the candidate to the President. In a video posted on the X handle of @NigAffairs, Wadada struck a conciliatory tone during the visit, praising Al-Makura’s leadership and appealing for unity.
“All the people that are here, and the ones that are not here, they thank you, they thank you for your patience,” Wadada said. “I mentioned patience three times; you and I know what I mean.” He continued by acknowledging Al-Makura’s role in the state’s development: “After being grateful for your patience, we want to thank you for your leadership. You led this state and have laid a foundation. There’s no gainsaying that the foundation you laid was laid for me.”
Al-Makura, who had earlier opposed Wadada’s nomination, reportedly laughed at that point, drawing laughter and applause from those present. Wadada also stressed the importance of protecting lives in the state, switching briefly to Hausa to underline 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 explained that the former governor bears greater responsibility, having been among those consulted during the creation of Nasarawa State.
The senator appealed to Al-Makura to remain patient and maintain open communication with him, as he also prayed for the former governor’s good health and for lasting peace in the state.
The visit comes amid growing tensions within Nasarawa’s political circles over the succession process. Al-Makura’s public dissatisfaction highlights potential rifts between key political figures in the state ahead of the governorship election. His criticism of Sule’s approach suggests a breakdown in the traditional consensus-building mechanisms that have historically shaped Nasarawa’s political transitions.
Political analysts note that securing Al-Makura’s backing could prove crucial for Wadada’s campaign, given the former governor’s extensive political network and influence in the state. The outcome of this reconciliation effort may significantly impact the dynamics of the upcoming election and the cohesion of the ruling party in Nasarawa State.
