Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has announced that stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state have unanimously agreed to adopt direct primary elections for the selection of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor also declared that, in line with the principles of equity, fairness, and unity, the Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone should produce the next governor of the state.
Sule made the disclosure on Sunday while addressing journalists after a marathon stakeholders’ meeting held in the state. The meeting brought together key political figures, including governorship aspirants, members of the National Assembly, the deputy governor, a minister from the state, as well as heads of federal agencies and parastatals of Nasarawa origin.
According to the governor, the gathering provided a platform for frank discussions on how best to conduct the party’s primaries in a manner that would strengthen unity and cohesion within the APC ahead of the polls.
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“We have very strong aspirants, most of them who have held top positions in this country, some of them still holding positions. These are people we have to treat with respect. We have to remind them about the importance of working together to conclude this exercise,” Sule said.
On the mode of primaries, the governor noted that the overwhelming majority of stakeholders endorsed direct primaries, stressing that the approach aligns with the democratic ideals promoted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Most of the stakeholders are in agreement with direct primary. It is also in line with what Mr President has always stood for — that direct primaries give every party member a voice in choosing candidates,” he stated.
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He assured party members that the process would be conducted in a transparent and credible manner, in strict compliance with the APC constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“Nobody, nobody whatsoever, will have any excuse to leave the party, because we are going to have a very transparent, very democratic process in line with the constitution of the party and the Electoral Act. So the person who leaves after losing is leaving because he does not know how to lose,” Sule added.
On the contentious issue of zoning, the governor explained that extensive deliberations were held, emphasizing that zoning is fundamentally about fairness and maintaining balance among the state’s three senatorial zones.
He pointed out that the Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone had occupied the governorship for 12 years, while Nasarawa North currently holds the position, making a compelling case for power to shift to the West.
“I keep insisting, and I stand by that. In line with the spirit of brotherhood, let us take it to Keffi Zone, which has not produced a governor for over 20 years,” he said.
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Sule expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their maturity and cooperation during the deliberations, expressing confidence that the APC would emerge stronger and more united.
He added that the party remains well-positioned to retain power in Nasarawa State in the 2027 general elections, buoyed by the consensus reached and the commitment to a transparent internal process.
