Nasarawa Succession Crisis: Governor Sule Accuses Predecessor Al-Makura of Overstepping Bounds in 2027 Gubernatorial Race

The political landscape in Nasarawa State has become increasingly tense as Governor Abdullahi Sule publicly accused his predecessor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, of attempting to unduly influence the selection of his successor. In a candid interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, Sule described Al-Makura’s actions as ‘overdoing it’, sparking a debate about the limits of influence former governors should wield in Nigerian politics.

Background: The Stakes of the 2027 Transition

Governor Sule, who is serving his second and final constitutionally permissible term (which will elapse in 2027), is at the center of a succession battle within the All Progressives Congress (APC). The core of the dispute revolves around his endorsement of Ahmed Wadada for the party’s governorship ticket—a choice that has drawn sharp opposition from Al-Makura.

In Nigeria’s political system, the transition of power from an outgoing governor to a successor is often fraught with tension, particularly when former governors attempt to maintain influence over party machinery. This case is no exception, as it highlights the delicate balance between respecting a predecessor’s experience and asserting the incumbent’s constitutional authority.

The Core Disagreement: Zoning vs. Personal Preference

Al-Makura’s Position

Senator Al-Makura, who governed Nasarawa State from 2011 to 2019, has reportedly been advocating for a candidate from a specific zone. Governor Sule acknowledged that Al-Makura, as an individual, has the right to support any aspirant. However, the governor drew a firm line at what he perceives as an attempt to impose a candidate.

‘As an individual, he had a preferred aspirant. And he has a right to have a preferred aspirant. And his preferred aspirant may not be my preferred aspirant. But to the point where now you say, I will select an aspirant for you to take over from you. I think that’s overdoing it.’ — Governor Abdullahi Sule

Sule’s Justification: The Zoning Argument

Governor Sule’s resistance is rooted in zoning considerations—a common but often contentious practice in Nigerian politics where political offices rotate among different geographical zones to ensure equitable representation. Sule argued that Al-Makura’s preferred candidate comes from a zone that has already held power for 12 years, making it unfair to return to that zone.

‘Because of the fact that they come from two different zones, and I strongly believe then, I believe now, I believe tomorrow that it will not be fair to still go back to a zone that has just finished 12 years. That’s my justification.’ — Governor Abdullahi Sule

This argument touches on a broader issue in Nigerian politics: the tension between merit-based selection and the need for regional balance. In many states, zoning agreements are informal but deeply respected, and violating them can lead to significant political fallout.

Consultations and High-Level Engagement

Governor Sule revealed that he had engaged key national leaders, including a former president and the current president, to ensure his decision was well-informed and aligned with broader party interests. He emphasized that these consultations were a privilege, not a right, and that he had carried stakeholders along throughout the process.

‘I have gone to see the former president, I have gone to see the current president. I have carried them along, that’s not a right, that’s a privilege.’ — Governor Abdullahi Sule

He further detailed that he held extensive consultations with aspirants from the western zone before settling on Wadada. Notably, Sule claimed that Al-Makura was present at all stakeholder meetings, including one that became ‘very stormy’ between the former governor and one of his childhood friends who served as a former ambassador.

‘Every meeting of the stakeholders, he was invited to every event we ever had.’ — Governor Abdullahi Sule

Practical Implications for Nasarawa Politics

This public disagreement has several practical implications:

• Party Unity: The rift between Sule and Al-Makura could fracture the APC in Nasarawa State, potentially weakening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
• Voter Perception: Voters may view the dispute as a sign of internal dysfunction, which could benefit opposition parties.
• Precedent Setting: How this conflict is resolved could set a precedent for how future transitions are handled in Nasarawa and other states.

Broader Context: The Role of Former Governors in Nigerian Politics

This incident is not isolated. Across Nigeria, former governors often seek to maintain influence over their successors, sometimes leading to public spats. For example:

• In Oyo State, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja and his successor, Governor Seyi Makinde, have had public disagreements over party leadership.
• In Kano State, former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had a well-documented falling out that split the state’s political structure.

These cases highlight a recurring challenge in Nigerian democracy: balancing the experience and networks of former leaders with the autonomy of sitting governors.

What Happens Next?

As the 2027 elections approach, all eyes will be on the APC’s primary in Nasarawa State. Governor Sule has made it clear that he will not be swayed by what he sees as undue pressure. Meanwhile, Al-Makura has not publicly responded to Sule’s latest comments, but the tension is palpable.

Political analysts suggest that a compromise may be necessary to avoid a protracted crisis. Possible outcomes include:

• A consensus candidate acceptable to both camps.
• A brokered deal involving national party leaders.
• A contentious primary that could leave the party divided.

For now, Governor Sule remains firm in his position, insisting that the decision ultimately rests with him and the stakeholders he has consulted.

‘If I didn’t carry Senator Tanko Al-Makura along, that’s not his right; if I had done that, that would have been a privilege.’ — Governor Abdullahi Sule

This unfolding drama serves as a case study in the complexities of political succession in Nigeria’s federal system, where personal ambition, zoning agreements, and party loyalty often collide.

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