By Rayyanu Bala

The coronation of the Aren Eggon, Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku I, in Nasarawa Eggon yesterday, which was performed by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, clearly demonstrated to the world that politicians, especially those of the APC extraction, remain united despite differences in opinion.
Videos circulating on social media showing APC leaders—including Governor Abdullahi Sule, former Governors Abdullahi Adamu and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, and the APC governorship candidate, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu—exchanging pleasantries were heartwarming. Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu’s cordial interactions with dignitaries were also commendable. Even more admirable were the videos showing him warmly engaging with Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and Senator Abdullahi Adamu.
This is how politics should be practised—without bitterness or hostility. Both leaders are respected members of the APC family, and no one, particularly those who are new to politics, should attempt to create a rift between them.
Politics is often described as a game of interests and competition. Yet, the true strength of any political party is not measured by how fiercely its stakeholders or members compete against one another, but by how effectively they unite after the contest is over.
With Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu emerging as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, the primary election has come and gone. A winner has emerged through a free and fair process conducted by the party, and the focus must now shift from internal competition to collective victory.
The cordial interactions between Senator Wadada and Senator Al-Makura, as well as between Senator Abdullahi Adamu and Senator Wadada, demonstrated nothing less than a collective victory for the APC, reflecting unity and a shared commitment within the party.
Indeed, it is important to note that the APC is fortunate to have many capable leaders and aspirants who offered themselves for service. Those who stepped down before the APC primary election demonstrated maturity, sacrifice, and commitment to the party. Likewise, those who remained in the race and contested against Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu showed courage, confidence, and a desire to contribute to the development of Nasarawa State.
Now that the primary process has produced a flag bearer, the responsibility before every stakeholder is clear: unite behind the party’s candidate and work toward victory in the general election.
This is not the time for bitterness or political camps. It is the time to recognise that every aspirant brought supporters, ideas, and valuable political capital to the APC. If these strengths are combined, the party will become even stronger. However, if personal disappointments are allowed to create divisions, it is the entire APC that will suffer.
History has repeatedly shown that opposition parties often capitalise on internal disagreements within ruling parties. Therefore, in Nasarawa State, we must not allow opposition parties to gain an advantage as a result of our disagreements. We must realise that no single individual can win an election alone; elections are won through teamwork, cooperation, and a shared commitment to a common goal.
As Engr. Abdullahi Sule rightly observed in his broadcast to the people of Nasarawa State on the eve of the APC primary election, Senator Wadada is now the APC candidate. However, the party’s victory will depend on the collective efforts of all critical stakeholders—party leaders, aspirants who withdrew from the race, those who contested the primary election, youth groups, women organisations, and grassroots supporters.
Those who stepped down for Senator Wadada have already demonstrated statesmanship. Their decision should not end with their withdrawal from the race. Rather, it should continue through active participation in campaign activities and mobilisation efforts. Their supporters should also see the bigger picture: the ultimate objective is not individual ambition but the success of the party and the progress of Nasarawa State.
Similarly, those who contested against Senator Wadada should be applauded for their democratic spirit. Political competition is healthy, but once a process produces a winner, loyalty to the party should take precedence over every other consideration. Their experience, influence, and political structures remain valuable assets that can significantly strengthen the APC’s electoral prospects.
For Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu himself, the task is equally important. He must continue reaching out to all former aspirants and their supporters, assuring them that there is a place for everyone within the movement. Inclusiveness, consultation, and mutual respect will be essential in building a united APC family ahead of the general elections scheduled for January 2027, beginning with the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
The people of Nasarawa State will be watching closely. They want to see a party that is focused on governance, development, and service rather than internal disputes. A united APC sends a strong message of stability, maturity, and readiness to lead.
At the end of the day, the primary election was never the final destination; it was only the beginning of a larger journey. The real contest lies ahead in the general election. To succeed, every APC stakeholder must put the party first, set aside personal differences, and work together toward a common objective.
Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu has secured the party’s ticket. The next challenge is securing victory for the APC. That mission belongs not to one man alone, but to every member of the party who believes in its vision and in the future of Nasarawa State.
Unity is the key. Victory is the goal. And the time to work together is now, just as was demonstrated in Nasarawa Eggon yesterday during the coronation of the Aren Eggon, Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku I.