2027: Ex-APC Chairman Seeks Tinubu, Yilwatda Intervention In Nasarawa

A former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa State, Muhammad Bello-Yakub, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to intervene in the state’s party affairs to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yakub made the call in a statement he issued in Lafia yesterday.

He said that providing a level playing field for all the aspirants would not only enable party members to elect candidates of their choice during the party primaries but also promote internal democracy and ensure the party’s victory in the 2027 general elections.

LEADERSHIP reports that the governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, recently endorsed Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred aspirant to succeed him, sparking vehement reactions from other APC stakeholders in the state.

The ex-APC chairman lamented that focusing on a single governorship aspirant at this early stage may undermine internal democracy, discourage participation, and weaken party unity.

“If these issues are not urgently addressed, there is a strong likelihood that the party may experience a recurrence of the setbacks witnessed in the 2023 elections,” Yakub said.

He lamented that the decision was without the inclusiveness of APC stakeholders in the state, including prominent traditional rulers.

The ex-APC chairman explained that the party suffered significant setbacks in the 2023 general election, losing substantial votes.

“In the said elections, the party suffered significant setbacks, including the loss of the presidential vote in the state, three senatorial seats, the Keffi Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, as well as multiple seats in the State House of Assembly.

“Specifically, the party lost two Assembly seats in Karu Local Government Area, two in Lafia Local Government Area, one in Keffi Local Government Area, and two in Toto Local Government Area.

“These electoral losses were largely attributed to a lack of internal cohesion, ineffective coordination, and insufficient engagement among key stakeholders. It is important to note that even the governorship election outcome was at risk and only salvaged through timely interventions,” he said.

He appealed to the President and the party’s National leadership to intervene in the current situation in the state to ensure the party’s victory in 2027.

Yakub also urged the President and the National leadership of the All Progressives Congress to restore unity, inclusiveness, and discipline within the party’s structure in Nasarawa State.

The ex-APC chairman made the following suggestion to ensure victory for the party’s head in the forthcoming elections:

Encouraging a level playing field for all aspirants to promote internal democracy and healthy competition.

“Facilitating reconciliation among aggrieved party members and stakeholders, Strengthening stakeholder engagement, including consultations with traditional rulers and grassroots leaders.

Establishing a conflict resolution mechanism to address internal disputes promptly. Promoting transparency and fairness in party processes to rebuild trust and confidence among members,” he added.

He emphasised that the state would remain a stronghold with immense potential for the party if there is unity, fairness, and strategic leadership.

The former APC Chairman expressed confidence in the President’s and the National leadership’s commitment to the party’s progress and stability nationwide.

“And I trust that your timely intervention will help reposition the party in Nasarawa State for future electoral success,” he said.