Governor Sule Receives Nasarawa South Eminent Persons, Vows Free, Fair APC Primary Election

Rabiu Omaku
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State received members of the Eminent Persons Assembly from Nasarawa South Senatorial District, who expressed their full support for his choice of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred candidate for the 2027 APC Governorship primary election.

The eminent persons made this known during a solidarity visit to Governor Sule at the Government House, Lafia, on Monday.

The delegation, led by Ambassador Suleiman Azores, told the Governor that after reviewing his decision to back the Nasarawa West Senatorial District for the 2027 governorship, they were satisfied that he had done the right thing for the state.

They further affirmed that in selecting Senator Wadada, the Governor had made a choice that reflects fairness and the spirit of the rotation arrangement that has guided Nasarawa State’s politics since 1999.

Ambassador Azores reminded the Governor that the agreement reached at the Abuja stakeholders meeting had always envisaged direct primaries, while also allowing any aspirant who wishes to purchase a form and contest to do so.

He expressed confidence that with the Governor’s grassroots support behind Senator Wadada and the Senator’s own track record, the primary would produce a positive outcome.

He noted that support for the Governor’s choice has already come from the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, as well as APC members of the State House of Assembly.

Receiving the delegation, Governor Sule thanked them for the visit, noting that the calibre of persons who came compelled him to reschedule a prior engagement, including the swearing in of members of the State Internal Revenue Board, to personally receive them.

The Governor confirmed that Senator Wadada emerged as his preferred candidate following a transparent process in which he first asked all the aspirants from Nasarawa West to meet among themselves and agree on a single name, with an undertaking that whoever they produced, he would adopt without question.

He revealed that it was only when the aspirants were unable to reach agreement, that they returned to him, saying that they trust his judgment, asking him to make the choice on their behalf.

Governor Sule said it was on that basis that he settled on Senator Wadada.

Governor Sule used the occasion to address growing anxiety in some quarters about the conduct of the primary, stating clearly that it will be held through direct primaries, exactly as agreed at the Abuja stakeholders meeting.

He said this position would not change, whether one aspirant comes forward or many, and that even if there is to be any consensus arrangement, he will not approve it unless every aspirant signs on freely and voluntarily.

“There will be direct primaries. That is democracy and that is fairness. That is what we agreed and that is what we are going to do,” he declared.

He dismissed the alarming statements and social media accusations making the rounds, saying those generating such noise were reacting from panic and frustration.

On his preferred candidate, the Governor was unequivocal, saying that regardless of whatever resources Senator Wadada may or may not personally command, he would commit his contacts, his goodwill and his personal efforts to ensure his choice succeeds at the primary.

He noted, however, that the outcome ultimately rests with God, who alone determines the final result of all human endeavours.

Members of the Eminent Persons Assembly from Nasarawa South include Amb Suleiman Azores, Amb Musa Ilu, DG 2011 Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura guber campaign organisation, Sen Hussain Egyegbola, Hon. Abdullahi Ogiri Oji, Dr Mustapha Galadima, Dr. Ishaya Awotu, Alhaji Liman Kwande, Baraden Lafia, Alhaji Yusuf Agabi, as well as Hon Anthony Obande.