A Potential Shift in Political Strategy
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has signaled a possible shift in his political trajectory, revealing that he may contest the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections. Despite previously ruling out a move to the National Assembly, the Governor admitted that the landscape is changing due to significant public demand.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Sule explained that the call for him to represent his district at the federal level has become increasingly difficult to ignore. "The overwhelming pressure from parents, supporters, and people that have worked with me throughout the period is so overwhelming that it is a situation that I can reconsider," the Governor stated.
While acknowledging his reputation for consistency—noting that he has stood by his word for the six and a half years of his administration—Sule suggested that the current circumstances might warrant a new approach to his post-governorship plans.
Establishing Relevance Beyond the Senate
Governor Sule was firm in dismissing the idea that he is seeking a Senate seat out of a desperate need for political relevance or to follow the footsteps of his predecessors. He emphasized that his identity was well-established in the corporate world long before his election as Governor in 2019.
"Before I became a governor, I was highly relevant in this country. I was the managing director of African Petroleum," Sule noted, highlighting his successful tenure leading Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC, which he described as one of the most capitalized companies in Nigeria during his leadership. "I made my name from there. I have done a lot of other things," he added, reinforcing that a legislative seat is not a necessity for his personal or professional standing.
The Path Forward: Succession and National Security
As Sule prepares to complete his final term by May 29, 2027, the question of who will succeed him in the Nasarawa Government House remains open. While he maintained that he does not yet know who his successor will be, he expressed confidence in the caliber of individuals within the state who are qualified to take the mantle.
Beyond state politics, the Governor touched on critical national issues, including:
- State Policing: Sule declared his "100 percent" support for the creation of state police to tackle Nigeria's security challenges.
- Honesty in Governance: He asserted that state governors are being transparent with President Bola Tinubu regarding the economic and social realities facing the country.
- Party Strength: He dismissed the threat posed by the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), noting that the All Progressives Congress (APC)—which controls 31 states—remains the dominant political force.
Leading the North-Central Bloc
Sule’s influence continues to grow within the party structure. Currently serving as the Chairman of the North-Central Governors’ Forum, he revealed that Nasarawa State is set to host the upcoming zonal congress in Lafia. This leadership role further cements his position as a key power broker in the region as the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape.