Key Takeaways
- Governor Abdullahi Sule has officially endorsed Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his successor.
- The decision follows over a year of wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders, investors, and party members.
- The Governor emphasized the 'Muje Maha' spirit, calling for party unity and collective support for all APC candidates.
- A consensus-building approach was utilized to ensure the candidate has the capacity to secure victory in the general election.
A Strategic Shift in Nasarawa Politics
In a move that signals a significant transition for Nasarawa State politics, Governor Abdullahi Sule has formally announced Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred successor. The declaration, made during a high-level meeting with political appointees and heads of government agencies at the Government House in Lafia, marks the culmination of a rigorous selection process that has spanned more than a year.
Governor Sule described Senator Wadada as the true embodiment of the 'Muje Maha' spirit—a guiding philosophy of his administration centered on inclusivity and collaborative governance. According to the Governor, the search for a candidate was not merely a political exercise but a strategic mission to identify an individual with the proven capacity to win and the vision to sustain the state's developmental trajectory.
The Path to Consensus
The selection process was exhaustive, involving deep consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, women’s organizations, youth groups, and prospective investors. Governor Sule revealed that the field was initially narrowed to three highly qualified aspirants. Through further deliberation and a commitment to regional equity, the party ultimately coalesced around Senator Wadada, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
The Governor lauded the maturity displayed by the aspirants from the Nasarawa West zone. These leaders reportedly met among themselves to agree on a unified path forward, ensuring that the governorship selection would be balanced by equitable distribution of other legislative positions. Sule expressed his full support for this arrangement, urging his appointees to set aside personal preferences and rally behind the party’s collective choice.
Unity and the Road Ahead
Addressing his political appointees, Governor Sule was firm in his call for cohesion. He acknowledged that while individual loyalties may have been divided during the selection phase, the time for individual agendas has passed. He stressed that the 'Muje Maha' principle now demands total commitment to Senator Wadada and all other APC candidates across the state, including those running for the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the State Assembly.
Furthermore, the Governor expressed optimism regarding the 2027 presidential landscape, asserting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu maintains strong support within Nasarawa State. He urged party members to avoid disparaging those who were not selected, emphasizing that the process was a multi-dimensional assessment where any of the shortlisted candidates could have served with distinction.
Why This Matters
This endorsement is a pivotal moment for Nasarawa State, as it sets the stage for the next political cycle by prioritizing party unity and strategic consensus over internal factionalism. By securing early alignment, Governor Sule aims to consolidate the APC’s influence and ensure a seamless transition of power that maintains the state's current momentum.