Why APC Leadership Must Intervene in Nasarawa to Avert Imposition, Political instability ahead of 2027

High Chief Douglas Otaru

With utmost respect and loyalty to the ideals of the party, I write to draw the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the developments within the Nasarawa State chapter of the party.

My concern is predicated on the fact that If left unchecked, the actions currently running in the party will not only sabotage the electoral chances of the party in 2027, but may ignite political instability in the state.

Imposition of a Candidate Against Popular Will with the adoption of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as the Governor’s preferred successor has been met with high intolerance and utter disagreement by party members and the wider populace. A party system thrives on managing diverse interests in a plural society. Neglecting other credible aspirants without due consultation alienates the grassroots and hands victory to the opposition.

Directives from Government House
They widespread rumours of a directive from Government circles that any aspirant wishing to purchase nomination forms must first pass through the Governor’s office is seen byn several spectrum of the party supporters as Undemocratic .

This is antithetical to internal democracy, a gross violation of members constitutional right to contest, and a direct assault on the APC Constitution. Democracy on autopilot, as currently practiced in Nasarawa, is a hindrance to winning in 2027.

Plans to Manipulate Party Structures, Credible intelligence within the state suggests a wicked plan by the State Working Committee, under the State Chairman, to hijack the membership register, conduct selective accreditation of delegates, and deploy government security apparatus to harass, frustrate, and arrest other aspirants during the primaries in favour of Senator Wadada.

This subversion of free and fair contest will delegitimize any outcome, especially when presided over by a compromised chairman. The Wadada Consensus Question or the Governor’s choice and hasty move to surreptitiously present Senator Wadada to the President as a Consensus Candidate is deeply flawed.

Senator Wadada has not formally resigned from the SDP, nor has there been broad-based consultation with critical stakeholders of the APC in Nasarawa State. Imposing him under such circumstances risks President Tinubu losing the support and votes of Nasarawa people who feel sidelined in their own party.

The people of Nasarawa State are are increasing faced with frustration by the attempt to present a person of dual origin over the aboriginal descents of the state.

This is viewed with suspicion as a hegemonic design to capture the state for obvious external dominance. In a multi-ethnic state like Nasarawa, such perceptions, if not addressed, may spark avoidable political instability and ethnic tension.

It is the fervent hope of the Nasarawa people that the National Leadership, President Tinubu and the NWC should set their “third eye” on Nasarawa State and immediately call the State Chairman and Governor Abdullahi A. Sule to forestall any attempt to impose a candidate on the people.

The citizens of the state to direct the National Secretariat to take custody of the Nasarawa APC membership register and supervise a transparent delegate congress. I wish to reaffirm that nomination forms be obtained directly from the National Secretariat, not through the Governor’s office.

I call on the the president and the national leadership of the party to Investigate the alleged plan to use state security to intimidate aspirants and ensure a level playing field for all. I want to advise that consensus can only emerge through genuine consultations with all stakeholders, not by fiat.

“Mr. President, the strength of APC has always been its commitment to justice, equity, and internal democracy. Allowing Nasarawa to run on autopilot, with interests unaccommodated and people excluded from decision making, is a recipe for defeat.

“We trust in your wisdom and democratic credentials to intervene now before it is too late”.

High Chief Otaru Douglas is a concerned party member in Nasarawa State.