Nasarawa 2027: Al-Makura Backs Ex-IGP Adamu, Says Direct Primaries Will Strengthen Democracy
E-ISSN:2354-4481
By Jerry Nicolas Akubundu
Former Governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has openly endorsed the governorship aspiration of former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, ahead of the forthcoming governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
Al-Makura made the declaration on Sunday during the grand finale of statewide consultations undertaken by Adamu’s campaign council with traditional rulers across Nasarawa State.
The event was held at the palace of the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage, in Lafia, where political stakeholders, supporters, and community leaders gathered to receive the APC governorship hopeful and his delegation.
Addressing the gathering, Al-Makura described Adamu as a man with the leadership capacity, administrative experience, and national exposure required to lead Nasarawa State into a new phase of development and stability.
According to the former governor, the visit to the Lafia Emirate symbolised the culmination of consultations with royal fathers and community leaders across the state, noting that Lafia holds strategic significance as Adamu’s ancestral and political base.
“It is more than a mere courtesy visit. After meeting leaders, emirs, chiefs, and traditional institutions across the state, it is only proper for the son of the soil to return home and brief his father on the progress and successes recorded during the consultations, especially as the APC governorship primaries are only days away,” Al-Makura stated.
He explained that the purpose of the visit was to seek royal blessings, fatherly guidance, and moral support from the Emir of Lafia ahead of the decisive phase of the governorship contest.
The former governor also expressed confidence in Adamu’s chances at the APC primaries, stressing that the adoption of direct primaries by the party would strengthen internal democracy and ensure that the will of party members prevails.
“We are pleased that the process has aligned with democratic principles. This is not about endorsement, consensus arrangements, or preferential treatment. It is about allowing the people to make their choice freely, and ensuring that every vote truly counts,” he said.
Al-Makura further assured the royal father that Adamu’s campaign team would conduct itself responsibly and in full compliance with the laws and guidelines governing the electoral process.
“Your Royal Majesty, we assure you that IGP Adamu will make the state proud. His supporters and campaign organisation are committed to conducting this process in line with best democratic practices and with utmost respect for the rule of law. By the grace of God, we believe victory is achievable,” he added.
The former governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC for approving the use of direct primaries for the governorship contest in Nasarawa State.
According to him, the direct primary system gives ordinary party members the power to determine the party’s candidate, thereby deepening participation and transparency within the party structure.
“We are happy that Mr President and the party leadership embraced direct primaries because it reflects the true will of the people. It has effectively put an end to speculations about imposed candidates. The mandate now rests squarely with party members,” Al-Makura declared.
In his remarks, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu thanked the Emir of Lafia for receiving him and members of his campaign organisation, describing the royal father’s support and counsel as invaluable.
The former Inspector-General of Police stated that his visit to the palace was primarily to seek prayers, blessings, and strategic guidance ahead of the governorship race.
“I came to seek your blessings, your prayers, and your direction. Your Royal Highness advised us not to be distracted and assured us of the support of the emirate and the people of Lafia. You encouraged us to reach out to the wider electorate across the state,” Adamu said.
He disclosed that his consultations with grassroots communities and stakeholders across Nasarawa State had yielded encouraging responses and growing acceptance among the people.
According to him, the support received during the statewide consultations has strengthened the resolve of his campaign team to pursue a people-oriented and issue-based campaign.
Adamu further pledged that his governorship ambition would remain peaceful, lawful, and fully compliant with the guidelines laid down by the Independent National Electoral Commission throughout the electoral process.
Responding, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (retd.), wished Adamu and his supporters success in the APC governorship primaries while urging all political actors and their supporters to maintain peace, unity, and order before, during, and after the exercise.
The monarch emphasized the importance of peaceful political engagement and advised aspirants and their followers to place the overall stability and progress of Nasarawa State above personal ambitions and political differences.
