Conflicting Developments Raise Concerns in Nasarawa

The ongoing political battle between incumbent Abdullahi Sule and former governor Tanko Al-Makura in Nasarawa State is quickly turning into a liability for the APC’s larger prospects, especially given Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral strength in the state.

Sen. Almakura’s efforts to abandon the zoning formula that encourages harmonious cohabitation are dividing stakeholders. By inciting internal conflicts and divides, he has elevated his divisive speech to a new level.

A well-known yet perilous trend lies at the core of the problem: political heavyweights’ incapacity to balance inherited power with current authority. Al-Makura, the former governor of the state who lost the Senate race because of his declining popularity in Nasarawa politics, seems unable to accept reality and give way to Sule, who now controls the government apparatus and the allegiance that comes with being in office. Although this friction is common, the manner it is being handled runs the risk of dividing the party’s base.

The persistent projection of parallel authority is among Al-Makura’s most serious errors. For stability and a smooth transition, Sule permitted his predecessor’s appointees to stay in office, in contrast to other climes where incumbents upload their followers. These appointments, encouraged by his genuine intentions, have since changed their allegiance to the Governor, despite the fact that this may seem like his downfall. Al-Makura deceives himself by trying to hold onto party structures, but it doesn’t work. By unintentionally supporting opposing blocs, he is contributing to the impression of a split parliament. As the manor’s lord, he has persisted in deceiving potential heirs. Voter excitement is frequently suppressed by such misleading signals, which lead to doubt about leadership and direction.

The timing of these moves is equally detrimental. Internal strife at the state level sends the incorrect message, as national political considerations already point to consolidation ahead of upcoming elections. Rather than strengthening the APC’s hegemony in Nasarawa, the continued battle runs the risk of creating gaps that opposition groups could take advantage of.

Election-related repercussions are another issue. Although Nasarawa has consistently contributed to Tinubu’s vote bank, the stability of the party is mostly dependent on the leaders’ unity. Elections are frequently determined at the ward and local government levels, thus when powerful individuals are thought to be at odds with the governor, this can have a cascading impact. Party members who are disillusioned may quit, defect, or subtly oppose mobilization initiatives.

Furthermore, the story of unified government is undermined by the optics of elite conflict. Voters are more interested in concrete results than in past this and that. Extended internal strife runs the risk of making the APC appear inward-looking during a period of high public expectations.

These further undermine Al-Makura’s services to the state and his perceived political prominence. But given the current situation, his strategy seems more and more ineffective. In politics, power involves more than just retention; it also involves timing, moderation, and strategic alignment.

President Bola Tinubu and the APC’s electoral power in this crucial North Central State of Nassarawa could be the true victims if this trend keeps up.

Rivalry is no longer the party’s most valued political asset.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule, the Chairman of the APC North Central Forum, continues to be the go-to person for organizing and delivering Nassarawa State and the North Central region.