The Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with rising internal tension following the endorsement of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada by Governor Abdullahi Sule as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement, announced ahead of the party’s official primary guidelines, has sparked criticism from key stakeholders who argue that due process was bypassed in arriving at the decision.
Among those opposing the move is former governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who disclosed that he was neither consulted nor informed prior to the endorsement or the subsequent presentation of Wadada to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I was never consulted. It is too early, and due process must be followed,” Al-Makura stated, while emphasizing that he holds no personal grievance against Wadada.
Despite the backlash, Governor Sule has defended his decision, maintaining that the endorsement followed wide-ranging consultations and is consistent with established political traditions in the state.
Backing the governor’s stance, members of the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Danladi Jatau, have publicly declared their support for Wadada and urged party members to remain united.
However, dissent within the party continues to grow. Former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu, who is also eyeing the APC governorship ticket, has rejected the endorsement, insisting that the party’s candidate must emerge through a credible and transparent primary process.
The controversy has also reignited debates over zoning and power rotation in Nasarawa State, with various political blocs advocating for their respective districts to produce the next governor.
Political analysts warn that if the situation is not carefully managed, the deepening divisions could undermine party cohesion and weaken the APC’s electoral prospects in the 2027 governorship election.
