Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has defended his decision to endorse a preferred aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections, saying he has the constitutional and democratic right to support any candidate he believes can sustain the state’s development.
The governor made the remarks during a statewide broadcast delivered in Lafia on Friday.
Sule also announced that the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state would adopt direct primaries for the selection of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the decision was reached after consultations with key stakeholders of the party and is intended to guarantee fairness for all aspirants.
“As Governor of Nasarawa State and leader of our great party in the state, I have exercised my constitutional and democratic right to support and endorse an aspirant whom I believe possesses the capacity, experience and vision to consolidate on the gains we have collectively made,” Sule said.
The governor, however, stressed that his endorsement would not prevent other aspirants from contesting during the party primaries.
“Importantly, this does not foreclose the opportunities that exist in direct primary elections, which our party’s critical stakeholders have opted for. Let me once more restate for the record that as a leader of the state, I will ensure a credible contest,” he added.
Sule appealed to APC members, supporters of other political parties, youths and community leaders to maintain peace as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
He also warned politicians and their supporters against engaging in hate speech, intimidation and the spread of false information.
“No ambition is greater than the peace, unity and progress of our dear State,” the governor stated.
“At the end of the primaries and elections, we shall all remain a very big family bound by a common destiny and united by our love for Nasarawa State.”
The governor further urged security agencies to remain professional and neutral throughout the electoral process and advised youths not to allow themselves to be used for violence or political unrest.
Sule noted that political consultations and alignments ahead of the 2027 elections had already commenced across different political blocs in the state.
