Pressure From Parents, Supporters Made Me Consider 2027 Senate Bid — Sule

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has revealed that mounting pressure from family members, political allies, and supporters is pushing him to reconsider contesting the 2027 senatorial election, despite his earlier firm commitment to step away from elective politics after his tenure.

Speaking during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television on Monday, Sule admitted that while he had previously ruled out any ambition to join the National Assembly, the intensity of appeals from various quarters has placed him in a difficult position.

“I made this decision that I have no intention of just jumping to say that I’m going to seek for election into the Senate or House of Reps or any other position,” he said, reaffirming his earlier stance.

However, he acknowledged that political realities have shifted.

“The overwhelming pressure from parents, from supporters, from people that have worked with me throughout the period, is so overwhelming that it’s a situation that I can actually reconsider,” Sule stated.

The governor explained that the pressure did not only come from political associates but extended to traditional rulers, elders, and even his immediate family.

“It went all the way to our traditional rulers… to some of my own elders… and now finally it went to my parents,” he disclosed, adding that both his father and mother, whom he described as trusted advisers, have been drawn into the appeals.

Sule said many of his supporters are concerned about their political future after his exit from office, questioning what direction they should take if he withdraws completely from active politics.

“They said, ‘When you leave, what do you expect of us? We have worked so hard with you… and perhaps none of us have the capacity actually to run. Where do you leave us?’” he recounted.

In a surprising twist, the governor noted that even a political ally he had initially supported for the senatorial seat later joined the calls urging him to contest.

“I started campaigning for my friend… but I got the biggest hit when my friend… was among the people now coming to me to say that you are the right person to contest for this office,” he said.

Despite the growing calls, Sule insisted that any eventual decision would not be driven by personal ambition.

“If you leave it to me, honestly speaking, I will hold on to it,” he said. “But if this is what the people want, I can only consider based on the wishes of the people, not me.”

Addressing concerns about a possible reversal of his earlier promise, the governor maintained that he has largely kept his word throughout his time in office.

“So far, every time I have made any statement, I have kept it… except this one. But we haven’t crossed the bridge yet,” he added.

Sule also dismissed suggestions that a senatorial bid would be about staying politically relevant after leaving office, highlighting his longstanding career in the private sector and public service.

“I will remain relevant. Before I became a governor, I was highly relevant in this country,” he said, citing his achievements as a former managing director in the oil sector and his leadership roles in industry and governance.