A support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has accused party officials of being compromised and incapable of conducting free and fair governorship primaries. The accusation comes amid rising tensions over the party's governorship ticket for the 2027 elections.
Governor Sule Endorses Senator Wadada
The dispute follows the endorsement of Senator Ahmed Wadada as the preferred candidate by Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule. This move has created unease among stakeholders, who fear the process may not provide a level playing field for other aspirants.
Call for External Oversight
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, May 5, the Nasarawa APC Integrity Forum claimed that party officials at state, local government, and ward levels are under intense pressure to align with the governor's position. The statement, signed by coordinator Zamani Daniel and secretary Ibrahim Tukur, called for independent officials to oversee the primaries, arguing that current officials lack the moral standing and courage to ensure credibility.
The group alleged there are plans to use ward officials to validate prearranged results, raising fears that the outcome may be determined before voting takes place.
Allegations of High-Level Backing
The group further alleged that private meetings between Senator Wadada and Governor Sule have taken place, with claims that they have backing from President Bola Tinubu and businessman Gilbert Chagoury to secure the ticket. These claims could not be independently verified, and the governor has not responded at the time of reporting.
Appeal for Presidential Intervention
The group urged President Tinubu and other party leaders to intervene in the Nasarawa APC issue. We know Mr President to be a true democrat and a believer in upholding the wishes of the majority, the group said. We are alarmed that the primary election is already being rigged before it is conducted.
They called for a transparent process, emphasizing that aspirants should campaign among party members rather than rely on alleged manipulation of results. Let Nasarawa citizens and party members choose freely who is best for them, the statement added.
Former IGP Enters Race
Meanwhile, a former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has obtained the APC expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 Nasarawa governorship election. Adamu rejected the consensus and preferred candidate, Senator Wadada. The former police chief insisted he would contest the APC primary scheduled for May 21, 2026. The director general of the Mohammed Abubakar Adamu 2027 Political Movement, Musa Hussein, said Adamu believes in his popularity and is determined to participate in the primaries.
