“In politics, victory is not only about strength — it is about unity, and Sule has chosen to secure both before the battle even begins.”

By Abdullahi Amwe, Political Analyst & Public Affairs Commentator
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As political momentum gradually builds toward the 2027 general elections, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State has taken a decisive and strategic step that could define the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state — bringing all governorship aspirants to one table and setting the tone for unity, transparency, and collective responsibility.

The meeting, held at the Governors Lodge in Abuja shortly after the APC National Convention, was not just a routine political gathering. It was a carefully calculated intervention aimed at managing rising ambitions, preventing internal fractures, and strengthening the party’s chances ahead of what promises to be a competitive electoral cycle.

In attendance were key political heavyweights, including former governors and Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, alongside other critical stakeholders such as the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, and former Deputy Governor, Chief Silas Ali Agara. Their presence underscored the seriousness of the moment and the importance of unity within the party.

Governor Sule’s message to the aspirants was both simple and profound: no single individual can win an election alone. Drawing from his own experience in the 2019 governorship race, he reminded them that victory was only possible because those who lost the primaries chose party loyalty over personal ambition and rallied behind the eventual candidate.

This lesson, he implied, must be the guiding principle for 2027.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the Governor’s intervention is his commitment to a transparent and inclusive primary process. By openly declaring that the choice between direct primaries and consensus arrangement will be collectively decided by the aspirants, Sule has deliberately removed the perception of imposition — a factor that has historically triggered crises within political parties.

In doing so, he has positioned himself not as a power broker dictating outcomes, but as a leader facilitating fairness.

However, the Governor was equally clear that transparency does not eliminate personal conviction. While the process will be collective, he did not shy away from stating that he has a preferred zone and possibly a preferred aspirant. Yet, in a rare display of political maturity, he emphasized that such preference would not override the democratic right of others to contest.

This delicate balance between influence and openness reflects a deeper understanding of political leadership — one that recognizes both the weight of incumbency and the necessity of inclusiveness.

On the sensitive issue of zoning, Governor Sule reaffirmed its place as a long-standing political tradition in Nasarawa State since 2007, a system that has guided transitions from Abdullahi Adamu to Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and eventually to himself. By acknowledging this continuity while still allowing open participation, he avoided igniting unnecessary controversy while preserving party stability.

Equally noteworthy was his gesture of inclusion toward aspirants who were initially left out of the invitation. By personally extending the invitation to them, he sent a strong message that the APC under his watch will not operate as an exclusive club, but as a broad platform where all interests are accommodated.

Beyond the governorship ambition, the Governor reminded aspirants of the bigger political picture — the availability of other elective positions including senatorial, federal, and state assembly seats. This was not just a consolation message, but a strategic call to ensure that talent and political strength within the party are not wasted, but redirected for maximum electoral gain.

At its core, Governor Sule’s intervention is a preemptive strike against the greatest threat to any ruling party — internal division. By addressing potential fault lines early, he is not only safeguarding the APC’s chances in 2027 but also protecting the broader interest of governance and continuity in Nasarawa State.

The message is unmistakable: ambition is legitimate, but it must be managed within the framework of unity, discipline, and party loyalty.

As the road to 2027 unfolds, one thing is clear — Governor Sule is not waiting for crisis to emerge before acting. He is shaping the process from the beginning, ensuring that when the time comes, the APC stands not as a divided house, but as a united force ready to win.