Lafia, March 26, 2025 – In a decisive move to quell growing political speculations, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has categorically denied rumors suggesting he has anointed a successor for the 2027 governorship election. The governor’s strong rebuttal comes amid increasing political activities and underground campaigns by potential aspirants in the state.
Official Statement from Government House
Through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Mr. Peter Ahemba, Governor Sule addressed journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Lafia, dismissing the succession rumors as “completely false, baseless, and politically motivated.”
Key Highlights from the Press Briefing:
- No Preferred Successor:
- Governor Sule emphatically stated that he has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 election.
- He stressed that the decision on Nasarawa’s next governor rests solely with the electorate, not with him or his administration.
- “The people of Nasarawa State are wise enough to choose their leader when the time comes,” he declared.
- Warning to Overzealous Appointees:
- The governor issued a stern rebuke to political appointees allegedly fueling succession talks, describing such actions as “unacceptable insubordination.”
- “Any official in my government found engaging in premature 2027 campaigns will face immediate sanctions,” he warned.
- Focus on Governance, Not Politics:
- Governor Sule urged politicians and government officials to concentrate on delivering good governance rather than early electioneering.
- “We still have two full years to serve the people, and we will not be distracted by political scheming,” he affirmed.
- Update on Key Infrastructure Projects:
- The governor reassured citizens of his commitment to completing ongoing projects, including:
- Lafia Flyover and Underpass (expected completion Q4 2025)
- Akwanga Dualization Project (75% completed)
- Proposed Keffi Flyover (awaiting final approval)
- He called for continued public support to ensure sustained development across the state.
- The governor reassured citizens of his commitment to completing ongoing projects, including:
Political Analysis: Why This Denial Matters
1. Preventing Early Distractions
With the 2027 elections still two years away, Governor Sule’s statement aims to maintain stability within his administration. Early succession battles often lead to divided loyalty, policy stagnation, and distracted governance—issues he clearly wants to avoid.
2. Maintaining Party Discipline
As a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sule’s stance reinforces the party’s preference for structured transitions rather than chaotic internal contests. His warning suggests that party discipline will be enforced strictly.
3. Protecting His Legacy
By emphasizing ongoing projects, Governor Sule is signaling that his performance in office, not political maneuvering, will define his tenure. A smooth, project-focused exit could strengthen his influence in post-gubernatorial politics.
4. Possible Hidden Tensions
The governor’s strong denial hints at behind-the-scenes jostling among potential successors. Names like Hon. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada (Senator, Nasarawa West), Hon. Abubakar Hassan (State APC Chairman), and Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe (Speaker, Nasarawa Assembly) have been floated in political circles.
What’s Next for Nasarawa Politics?
Short-Term (2025-2026):
✅ Completion of ongoing projects to solidify the administration’s legacy.
✅ Strengthening APC’s grassroots structures ahead of the next election cycle.
✅ Possible discreet lobbying by aspirants, despite the governor’s warnings.
Long-Term (2027):
🔹 Open contest within APC—no single candidate may enjoy Sule’s automatic backing.
🔹 Opposition parties (PDP, NNPP) likely to field strong candidates to capitalize on any APC divisions.
🔹 Youth and women demographics expected to play a decisive role in the election.
Public Reaction & Expert Opinions
Citizens’ Response:
- Mixed reactions from residents—some praise the governor for focusing on governance, while others suspect hidden political calculations.
- Traders at Lafia Market expressed hope that development projects will continue uninterrupted.
Political Analysts’ Take:
- Dr. Ibrahim Musa (Political Scientist, NSUK): “Governor Sule is trying to avoid the mistakes of predecessors who allowed succession battles to overshadow governance.”
- Hajia Aisha Mohammed (Civil Society Leader): “This is a test of internal democracy in APC. Will they impose a candidate or allow fair primaries?”
Final Verdict: A Strategic Move by Governor Sule
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By publicly denying any anointed successor, Governor Sule has:
✔ Reaffirmed his commitment to service delivery
✔ Discouraged premature political campaigns
✔ Positioned himself as a neutral arbiter in the coming succession battle
Will this stance hold as 2027 approaches? Or will political realities force a shift in strategy?
(Source: NUJ Lafia, March 26, 2025 | Additional Reporting: Nasarawa Politics Watch)
