Tension in Nasarawa over attack on Shettima at APC Rally

• Gov Sule Orders DSS Probe

By Okpashi Odama

Nasarawa State was on Wednesday, thrown into controversy following alleged attack on the Vice president, Kashim Shettima, Governor Abdullahi Sule and the disruption of Vice President’s courtesy visit to the Emir of Lafia during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Lafia.

The incident, which reported to be involving some figures, allegedly culminated into the governor being pelted with stones at the Lafia Square, raising concerns over growing tensions within the ruling party in the state.

It would be recalled that the APC rally was organised to mobilise support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, where the Vice President Shettima represented the President at the political rally

The rally which was expected to be a show of strength and solidarity, however, reportedly turned ugly as people suspected to be party supporters allegedly took to hostility against the visiting Vice president, governor. Sule and other party officials.

The traditional homage, which ordinarily would have provided an opportunity to demonstrate respect for the revered institution and the cultural heritage of the state, was reportedly marred by the conduct of some irate youths.

Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Government has condemned the developments, describing the alleged acts as reckless, condemnable and an affront to constituted authority.

The government in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Shuaibu Magaji Labaran(, SAN) and made available to Journalists in Lafia, directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately commence a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

According to the statement, the investigation would establish the circumstances that led to the disturbance, identify those directly involved and uncover any individuals or groups suspected to be sponsors of the alleged misconduct.

It further alleged that some of the youths involved in the disturbance were suspected to have links with prominent political figures including former Governor of the State, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, and former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu.

The statement added that the alleged conduct was intended to embarrass the state administration and tarnish the image of Nasarawa State and its people.

It warned that anyone found culpable, irrespective of political standing or influence, would be brought to book and made to face the full weight of the law.

The government also described the disruption of the Vice President’s traditional homage as an unacceptable disregard for the office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The alleged attack on Governor Sule at the rally has spark up political tension, added another layer to the controversy, particularly against the backdrop of reported disagreements among influential political interests within the APC. In the state.

In the same vein, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s Personal Assistant on Social Media, Emmanuel Innocent Akwe, had condemned the alleged pelting, describing it as unacceptable and an affront to the dignity of the office of the governor.

“The allegations surrounding the incident point to internal disagreements over political recognition and participation at the rally, particularly the reported denial of access to the podium by certain political interests.

“There were allegations that supporters of former Governor Al-Makura were angered by the reported restriction of his access to join the Vice President and other dignitaries on the podium to deliver a speech on behalf of the President”, the governor’s Aide stated.

“Governor Sule had continued to demonstrate restraint in the face of provocations in the interest of party unity, his peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for weakness.

He also stressed that the APC in Nasarawa belonged to all its members and should not be treated as the exclusive possession of any individual or political bloc.

The Nasarawa State Government has consequently appealed to residents and political stakeholders to remain peaceful and law-abiding, stressing the need to protect the state’s reputation and preserve respect for constituted authorities and traditional institutions.

The statement was signed by Dr. Shuaibu Magaji Labaran, SAN, Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, and dated November 4, 2026.

As the DSS begins the process of unravelling the circumstances surrounding the reported disturbances, the unfolding controversy presents a significant test of political maturity, party cohesion and respect for public institutions in Nasarawa State.