Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has called on security agencies across the state to redouble their efforts in securing lives and property before, during and after the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor urged the security agencies to remain vigilant, professional and impartial in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, stressing the need to sustain peace and stability across the state throughout the political process.
Sule made the appeal on Friday during a statewide broadcast as preparations intensified for the APC primaries scheduled to hold across the country.
He also called on aspirants, party officials, supporters, youth groups and community leaders to approach the primaries with restraint, civility and a strong commitment to peace.
According to the governor, ongoing consultations, declarations of interest and expressions of political opinions by citizens and stakeholders represent the beauty of democracy and should be conducted within the bounds of law, mutual respect and civility.
“As citizens exercise their democratic rights, they must remember that no political ambition is greater than the peace, unity and progress of Nasarawa State,” he said.
Governor Sule, who is the leader of the APC in the state, reaffirmed that he had exercised his constitutional right to endorse an aspirant he believes possesses the capacity, experience and vision to sustain the achievements of his administration.
He explained that political endorsements are not unusual in democratic settings and should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine the aspirations or rights of other contestants and their supporters.
The governor further clarified that his endorsement does not in any way prevent other aspirants from participating in the direct primary process adopted by critical stakeholders of the APC, noting that the process aligns with the party’s constitution and democratic principles.
He assured party members and the public of a credible and transparent contest.
“At the end of the primaries and elections, we shall all remain a very big family bound by a common destiny and united by our love for Nasarawa State,” the governor stated.
Sule also appealed to youths across the state not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence, conflict or political division, stressing that their energies and talents should be channelled towards the development and future prosperity of the state.
He commended politicians and stakeholders who sacrificed their ambitions in support of the party at both state and national levels, while maintaining that those who chose to contest the primaries had every right to do so.
The governor equally cautioned against inflammatory statements, political intimidation and the spread of misinformation, urging all stakeholders to protect the sanctity of the democratic process that has continued to keep Nasarawa State peaceful and hospitable.