By Rayyanu Bala

Since Governor Abdullahi Sule publicly declared his preferred successor, some individuals have expressed dissatisfaction, not out of genuine concern, but because his choice is not their own. As a result, they have sought to discredit the process through which he selected Ahmed Wadada Aliyu as his successor.
This explains the various criticisms that have been raised: claims that the governor did not consult widely enough, that it was too early to name a successor, that it was inappropriate for him to present Wadada to President Bola Tinubu, and that due party guidelines were not followed. Some have even argued that the governor’s actions amount to jumping the gun.
However, when all these arguments are considered together, the underlying issue appears straightforward: the governor did not choose their preferred candidate. Had he done so, it is unlikely that these objections would have been raised.
To further demonstrate their displeasure, critics are now trying to create the impression that the APC in Nasarawa State is in crisis and are even calling on President Tinubu to intervene.
Frankly speaking, suggesting that the APC in Nasarawa State is in crisis due to the declaration of Engr. Sule’s preferred successor is not only preposterous but also an overstatement. Portraying the situation as a crisis on the ground is a disservice to the APC in the state.
In reality, what we are seeing in the APC in Nasarawa State is a normal democratic process playing out within a political party that has long-established traditions.
There is, indeed, no political emergency in the Nasarawa APC that warrants presidential intervention.
Governor Abdullahi Sule recently expressed his preference for an aspirant, as is standard practice in Nigerian politics. That act alone has been described by some as controversial, but history shows it is nothing new. Political endorsements are part of the game, whether people like it or not.
Back in 2007, then-Governor Abdullahi Adamu publicly supported the late Aliyu Akwe Doma as a preferred successor within the broader political alignment of the period. Fast forward to 2019, and former Governor Tanko Al-Makura also openly supported Abdullahi Sule’s emergence.
In all these instances, there was noise, debate, and political positioning, but yet the sky did not fall. Institutions did not collapse. Democracy did not break.
So the question must be asked: why is it different now?
Why is Governor Sule’s endorsement of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu suddenly being treated like a constitutional crisis?
The truth is simple: internal party politics is always competitive, and emotions tend to run high when ambitions are involved. But competition is not the same as a crisis. Disagreement is not the same as disorder.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa is not in disarray. It is simply doing what political parties everywhere do: building alliances and preparing for future contests within democratic bounds.
What should be encouraged at the moment in Nasarawa State is maturity from all stakeholders. Democracy is built on the principle that people, parties, and institutions should be allowed to sort themselves out.
If anything, Governor Sule’s action is a reminder that leaders will always have preferences, and supporters will always react. That is not a breakdown, it is democracy in action.
And if history in Nasarawa has taught us anything, it is this: endorsements come and go, alignments shift, yet the system remains intact.
So there is no need to create a narrative of crisis in the APC in Nasarawa State. The situation on the ground is firmly within the normal rhythm of party politics. The APC in Nasarawa is not on fire, it is simply preparing for its next chapter.