Nasarawa Deputy Governor Denies Alleged Move To Dump APC

The Nasarawa State Deputy governor, Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, said he remained a bonafide member of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging his unwavering loyalty to the party and Governor Abdullahi Sule.

The clarification came amid media reports that he is considering a defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) following the outcome of the last National Assembly Primary where he lost the senate race for Nasarawa South to Abubakar Nalaraba.

LEADERSHIP reports that Akabe and Nalaraba were frontline contenders for the Nasarawa South senatorial ticket on.APC platform.

Following a tension packed contest which outcome remained undecided for days, Nalaraba was announced as winner by the committee as winner.

A social media reports then speculated that aggrieved by the poll outcome, Akabe was planning to join SDP to pursue his aspiration.

However, a statement by his campaign organisation and made available to journalists on Thursday in Lafia, described the reports as malicious and untrue.

“We wish to categorically state that the report is entirely false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and create unnecessary political tension.

“Ordinarily, Dr. Emmanuel A. Akabe and his supporters would have ignored such baseless allegations. However, in view of the sustained efforts by certain mischievous elements to blackmail him over what many regard as his stolen mandate, it has become necessary to set the records straight.

“Dr. Emmanuel A. Akabe has remained a committed and loyal member of the APC over the years. His political journey and service to the people of Nasarawa State have been marked by dedication, humility, and unwavering loyalty. He served meritoriously as Commissioner during the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) administration and currently serves as Deputy Governor under the APC-led government in the state.

“Despite the prevailing political challenges, Dr. Akabe has continued to demonstrate absolute commitment to the unity, growth, and success of the APC. His contributions to governance and development in Nasarawa State are visible, dependable, and beyond dispute.

“The sponsors of this false publication are clearly enemies of progress who are determined to tarnish his hard-earned reputation and create division within the party. Their desperate efforts to undermine his image and political standing will not succeed,” it stated.

The statement noted that Akabe remained a proud and loyal member of the APC and has no intention whatsoever of leaving the party for the SDP or any other political platform.

“His commitment to the ideals, values, and leadership of the APC remains firm, resolute, and unshakable regardless of the outcome of the senatorial primaries or his future political engagements,” it said.

The statement urged the public to discountenance the falsehood in the interest of the party and the state.