Nasarawa state in Nigeria is experiencing escalating tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party as the 2027 elections approach. The state's political landscape has traditionally been a stronghold for the People's Democratic Party (PDP), but the APC has gained ground in recent years. The current governor, Abdullahi Sule, has sparked controversy by endorsing Senator Ahmad Aliyu Wadada as his preferred successor, sidelining other aspirants.
The crisis began in 2019 during the APC primary elections, where 21 candidates vied for the gubernatorial ticket. Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura at the time supported Abdullahi Sule, who eventually won the ticket. However, this move was disputed by some aspirants, who felt the process was unfair. Fast-forward to 2026, Governor Sule announced his preference for the next governor to come from the Nasarawa West senatorial district, sparking fresh tensions within the party.
The APC primary elections in 2026 saw six candidates contesting for the ticket, with Senator Ahmad Aliyu Wadada emerging as the winner. However, some aspirants, including former Inspector-General of Police, Muhammad Adamu Abubakar, and Sarkin Sharifai, disputed the outcome, citing irregularities. Abubakar eventually defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), while Sharifai continued to express dissatisfaction with the result.
The crisis has led to a rift within the APC, with two factions emerging: one loyal to former Governor Al-Makura, who is reportedly backing Abubakar, and the other supporting Governor Sule and Wadada. The Al-Makura faction alleges that Wadada's emergence was a result of manipulation, while the Sule faction insists that the governor has the right to anoint his successor.
The infighting has started to affect the state's peace and stability, with reports of violent incidents and heightened tensions between supporters of the rival factions. The situation has raised concerns among stakeholders, who fear that if not addressed, it could lead to further instability and undermine the democratic process in the state.
The development has also sparked fears of a possible repeat of the violent electoral processes witnessed in other states. The Nasarawa state government and party leaders have been urged to intervene and resolve the crisis amicably to prevent further escalation. The party's national leadership has been called upon to wade into the matter and ensure a peaceful and fair process for the 2027 elections.
As the 2027 elections draw near, the situation in Nasarawa state remains volatile, with the APC factions vying for control. The outcome of the party's primary elections and the eventual emergence of a candidate will be crucial in determining the state's political trajectory. Key stakeholders, including party leaders and government officials, are expected to play a critical role in resolving the crisis and ensuring a peaceful transition.
Key points
- The crisis within the APC in Nasarawa state has led to a rift between two factions, one supporting Governor Abdullahi Sule's preferred successor, Senator Ahmad Aliyu Wadada, and the other backing former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura's preferred candidate, Muhammad Adamu Abubakar.
