By Victoria N. Ikeano
victoriangozii@gmail.com | 08033077519

When, over the weekend, I saw splashed on the front page of an Abuja-based national newspaper a photograph of Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, President Bola Tinubu, and Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu jointly posing for the cameras, I said to myself, “Something good is coming out of Nasarawa State.”
Governor Sule’s visit to the Villa to formally present Senator Wadada—who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the National Assembly—as his “preferred” successor was of significant interest to the people of Nasarawa State.
As it turns out, not everyone agrees with Sule’s choice. Arguably the loudest opposing voice is that of Senator Tanko Al-Makura, who governed the state for two terms (2011–2019) before handing over to the current governor, whose tenure ends in 2027. Al-Makura, now the North Central Zonal Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, has expressed reservations. Meanwhile, Abdullahi Adamu, an influential stakeholder from Nasarawa West, supports Wadada—likely because the zoning aligns with his expectations.
Before announcing Wadada as his preferred candidate, Governor Sule convened a meeting of stakeholders from the northern zone to deliberate on the vacant Senate seat following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki. He later held another meeting involving stakeholders from across the state to discuss the governorship primaries.
At the Nasarawa North senatorial meeting, it was agreed that the vacant Senate seat should be zoned to Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, where the late senator hailed from, to allow completion of his term. However, Silas Agara, Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and an aspirant for the seat, rejected this decision during a media briefing, insisting that “zoning” does not exist. Agara, who is from Akwanga Local Government Area, reportedly did not attend the meeting where the decision was reached.
At the expanded stakeholders’ meeting—attended by a broad spectrum of political actors, including past governors and all gubernatorial aspirants—intense debate centered on the primaries. At the end of deliberations, Governor Sule, as party leader, announced that the governorship ticket would be zoned to Nasarawa West and that direct primaries would be adopted.
Under the new electoral law, the delegate system has been abolished, leaving parties to choose either direct primaries or consensus. The adoption of direct primaries suggests there was no agreement on a consensus candidate.
One aspirant, former Inspector-General of Police Muhammadu Abubakar Adamu from Nasarawa South, publicly criticized the zoning arrangement, arguing that it limits democratic participation and vowed to contest. His campaign gained momentum following a prophecy by popular cleric Ayodele, who predicted his emergence as governor.
Reacting to this, political analyst Rayyanu Bala stated:
“The assertion that Mohammed Abubakar Adamu is destined to become the next Governor of Nasarawa State—and that any deviation would signal APC’s defeat—is speculative. Political history is filled with confident predictions that never materialized. Even within prophetic traditions, many declarations have not come to pass. Who can guarantee this one will?”
Adamu’s camp responded tersely:
“Prophecy or no prophecy, IGP Muhammadu Abubakar Adamu stands out as the best candidate for Nasarawa State in 2027, hence the prediction by Ayodele.”
Meanwhile, a Nasarawa North group known as the Political Consultative Group, led by Senator John Damboyi and Professor Salih Alizada, rejected the governor’s zoning and instead endorsed Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area for the governorship. While this may seem illogical—given that the current governor is also from the northern zone—they argue that the southern zone previously held power for 12 consecutive years.
Former Governor Akwe Doma (from Doma LGA) served one term before losing to Al-Makura (from Lafia LGA) in 2011. Al-Makura then completed two terms before handing over to Sule in 2019. After all three zones had produced governors, stakeholders debated where the next rotation should begin—south, west, or north—with some even suggesting alphabetical order.
Another northern group rejected what it described as “politics of division” and subtly backed the governor’s zoning decision.
Governor Sule later met with aspirants from the western zone and reportedly asked them to nominate three candidates from among themselves. They declined, leaving the decision to him while pledging support. Consequently, Sule selected Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu as his preferred candidate and formally presented him to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
According to Sule, his choice followed 12 months of consultations with investors, stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and women’s organizations. Predictably, the decision has generated mixed reactions.
A former Commissioner for Information, Tourism, and Culture commented:
“The governor has declared his preferred candidate. That is his democratic right, and we respect it. However, others also have the right to express their preferences. This is the beauty of democracy—diverse opinions, with the ballot ultimately deciding.”
Former Governor Al-Makura described the endorsement as premature, noting that aspirants have only informally declared interest. He emphasized that official processes—such as purchasing forms, screening, and party approval—must be completed before endorsements. He warned against “backdoor politics” and pledged to ensure a transparent, fair, and credible process.
Some aspirants, including Dr. Muhammed Musa Maikaya and Dr. Ahmed Musa, have accepted Sule’s decision in good faith and congratulated Wadada. Others, like Dr. Faisal Shuaib, continue their stakeholder engagement tours across the state.
Opponents of Wadada’s endorsement argue that it is undemocratic and amounts to imposition. However, this claim is debatable. Governor Sule has merely exercised his right to support a candidate. No aspirant has been barred from contesting, and the direct primary system ensures that party members across all 13 local governments will vote. Sule may mobilize support for his candidate, just as others are free to do the same.
Wadada, in response, expressed gratitude to both Governor Sule and President Tinubu. He extended a hand of fellowship to fellow aspirants, describing them as partners rather than rivals, and urged his supporters to avoid insults or hostility.
At a press conference in Lafia, he unveiled a 40-page blueprint outlining his six-point “HEARTS” agenda:
Human capital development
Energy and mineral resources
Agriculture and green economy
Rural and urban infrastructure
Trade and investment
Security
This demonstrates that he is well-prepared for the task ahead.