The Quiet Compass: Why Senator Tanko Al-Makura Is the Anchor APC Needs Now

In Nigeria’s turbulent political arena—where noise, spectacle, and fleeting outrage dominate—Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura stands apart. Unlike many of his peers, he doesn’t clamor for attention, yet his presence commands respect. He doesn’t trumpet his ambitions, yet his consistency speaks volumes. As the All-Progressives Congress (APC) grapples with internal fractures, his brand of leadership—grounded in quiet resolve rather than slogans—may be precisely what the party requires to navigate its current crisis.

A Leader Who Nourishes Rather Than Noises

Al-Makura is not a politician of grand gestures. His influence is more akin to steady rainfall—nourishing rather than flooding. From his historic tenure as the only Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) governor in 2011 to his pivotal role in the APC’s formation, he has consistently prioritized governance over theatrics. His two-term leadership in Nasarawa State, a microcosm of Nigeria’s ethnic and religious complexities, was marked by tangible progress—roads, schools, hospitals—and, crucially, peace.

His approach is not performative; it’s pragmatic. While others chase headlines, Al-Makura focuses on the unglamorous work of institution-building. His ability to govern a volatile state without descending into crisis underscores a rare quality in Nigerian politics: restraint.

The APC’s Unfinished Business: The CPC Legacy

The APC was born in 2013 from an uneasy coalition of opposition parties—CPC, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and others—united by the singular goal of dismantling the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) dominance. While the merger succeeded in securing power, the unresolved tensions among its factions have festered.

No group feels this marginalization more acutely than the CPC, the ideological backbone of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s rise. Despite its contributions, the CPC has yet to produce a national chairman for the APC. That Al-Makura—arguably the most enduring figure from its ranks—remains sidelined is both puzzling and politically shortsighted.

The Case for Al-Makura’s Leadership

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Al-Makura isn’t lobbying for power. His strength lies in his steadiness—a quality the APC desperately needs as it contends with internal strife and leadership vacuums. His recent visit to his Lafia residence revealed a man uninterested in political theatrics: no entourage, no media spin, just thoughtful deliberation under the shade of bougainvillea.

This same temperament defined his Senate tenure, where he prioritized substance over soundbites. Colleagues respected him not for his volume but for his depth—a rarity in Nigeria’s often bombastic political culture.

Why the APC Needs Him Now

The APC is at a crossroads. The resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as national chairman has exposed deep fractures within the party. What it needs now isn’t another domineering figure but a unifying force—a leader capable of bridging divides.

Al-Makura fits this role perfectly. Geopolitically, his emergence would address the North Central’s underrepresentation in the party’s leadership structure. More importantly, he commands respect across the APC’s diverse factions—ACN veterans, ANPP remnants, and even New PDP defectors see him as a neutral arbiter free from factional baggage.

His response to the 2022 consensus decision, where he gracefully stepped aside for Abdullahi Adamu, demonstrated his commitment to party unity over personal ambition. In a political landscape where loyalty is often transactional, Al-Makura’s steadfastness is a rare asset.

A Moral Compass for a Party Adrift

The APC’s challenges go beyond leadership squabbles. Its ideological coherence has frayed, and public trust has waned. The party doesn’t just need a chairman; it needs a moral compass.

Al-Makura embodies the values the APC once championed—unity without uniformity, progress without polarization. Endorsements from figures like Primate Ayodele and Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State highlight his broad appeal. Civil society groups praise his inclusivity, while CPC loyalists view him as a redeemer of their legacy.

The Path Forward

If the APC is to reclaim its founding vision, it must move beyond performative politics. Al-Makura offers something far more valuable than rhetoric: trust. His leadership would signal a return to substance over spectacle, patience over posturing.

In an era where political parties are too often hijacked by noise merchants, Al-Makura’s quiet strength is revolutionary. He isn’t just a placeholder—he’s a pathfinder. And for a party in crisis, the time to embrace his leadership is now.

Adejobi is an analyst based in Abuja.

Credit: Full credit to the original publisher: The Herald