Nasarawa State All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders have cautioned Senator Ahmed Wadada against leveraging his purported ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intimidate rivals in the state’s gubernatorial race.
In a statement issued by Zamani Daniel and Ibrahim Tukur, the APC chieftains warned that Wadada’s alleged closeness to the president would not guarantee electoral success. They emphasized President Tinubu’s reputation as a committed democrat who respects the will of the majority, expressing surprise at Wadada’s claims of automatic endorsement.
“Democracy is a game of numbers,” the statement read. “Anyone who thinks he is popular enough should market himself to the people. Let Nasarawa citizens and party members choose who is best for them. With direct primaries now adopted by stakeholders, aspirants should market themselves to the people rather than use crooked means to get endorsement.”
The warning follows Governor Abdullahi Sule’s recent endorsement of Wadada’s governorship bid, a move that has sparked internal criticism within the APC. The endorsement has heightened tensions among party members, with some questioning the governor’s influence over the selection process.
Senator Wadada, who was initially elected under the Social Democratic Party, resigned from the APC earlier, adding another layer of complexity to his political maneuvering. His shift between parties and the subsequent endorsement by Governor Sule have raised concerns about the integrity of the party’s internal processes.
The APC chieftains’ statement underscores the party’s commitment to democratic principles and fair competition, urging aspirants to focus on grassroots engagement rather than relying on political connections. As the race for Nasarawa State’s governorship intensifies, the party’s stance highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the selection of its flagbearer.
