Fresh divisions have surfaced within the Nasarawa chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after Governor Abdullahi Sule publicly endorsed Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship race.
What appeared to be a routine political move has instead ignited tension among party stakeholders, exposing internal disagreements ahead of the elections.
The endorsement has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from former governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who faulted both the timing and process. He argued that key party figures were not consulted and described the move as premature, especially since official party guidelines for the primaries have yet to be released.
Governor Sule, however, defended his action, insisting it aligns with established political traditions and reflects deliberate leadership rather than an imposition. He also justified presenting Wadada to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a necessary step to keep the party leadership informed.
Meanwhile, another aspirant and former Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Adamu, rejected the endorsement, maintaining that it does not determine the outcome of the race and vowing to contest and defeat Wadada.
Despite the backlash, the Majority Caucus of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Danladi Jatau, has declared support for Wadada and urged other aspirants to rally behind him in the interest of party unity.
Beyond internal party disputes, the development has reignited debates over zoning and power rotation in the state. While Governor Sule insists the governorship should shift to Nasarawa West, some stakeholders argue that fairness should extend beyond senatorial districts to federal constituencies that have yet to produce a governor.
A coalition of political and community leaders has also opposed the potential return of power to certain areas, warning that any perceived imposition could deepen divisions and weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Overall, Wadada’s endorsement has intensified political maneuvering within the APC in Nasarawa, with signs that the contest for the party’s ticket may become increasingly contentious in the months ahead.
