Ex-IGP Adamu committed to guber race, meets Al-Makura amid Ciroma rally

In a bid to rally support for his 2027 gubernatorial ambition, former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, at the weekend, paid a courtesy visit to former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, at his residence in Lafia.

Adamu, who is seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket, was accompanied by associates, members of his campaign team, and other stakeholders. 

Al-Makura received the delegation and used the meeting to brief them on party procedures for primaries and post-primary elections.

Describing Adamu as a committed APC member both in Lafia and nationally, an elated Al-Makura praised the former IGP and his entourage — which included former commissioners, public officers, former members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, and scores of supporters — for their commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He said such gestures align with the party’s ideals.

“For us in the Renewed Hope family, we look forward to engagements because the people need to be informed about what Mr. President is doing — the justification for his policies and reforms, the benefits Nigerians are already gaining, the value being added to the system, and the prosperity that awaits this country in the near future,” Al-Makura said.

'Primaries Will Be Free, Fair, and Credible’

Al-Makura, who noted he has been following political developments in Nasarawa closely, urged all aspirants and supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully.

“Let’s ensure civility and respect for the rule of law. I assure you aspirants and leaders that the coming primaries will not only be free and fair but credible — and in a way that everyone will be happy with,” he said.

 On Sule’s Endorsement of Wadada

The former senator commented on Governor Abdullahi Sule’s recent public endorsement of Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, representing Nasarawa West, as his preferred aspirant. Sule presented Wadada to President Tinubu in Abuja on Friday.

While saying he did not begrudge Sule for backing an aspirant, Al-Makura argued the move was premature. “The electoral process is in stages. Contenders and leaders should refrain from jumping the gun,” he said.

He noted that while the governor has a constitutional right to support anyone for 2027, presenting that person to the president before party processes conclude was improper — especially since Wadada is not the consensus choice of all stakeholders and not yet the party’s candidate.

“The only one who will be the preferred candidate is the one the people have picked,” Al-Makura stressed.

 'Due Process Must Be Followed’

Outlining the stages, Al-Makura said: “At the moment, it is the stage where people are expressing interest. Next, we will have aspirants — those who have purchased forms or indicated interest. Then we go to the primaries where candidates emerge. You can only get candidates after primaries. The last stage is the general election where the successor will emerge. So ‘successor’ comes only after the general election.”

He assured aspirants that as leaders aligned with President Tinubu’s democratic ideals, the party will provide a level playing field. With direct primaries expected, he said every aspirant who complies with party guidelines will participate.

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“I want to call on all aspirants and those who have indicated interest not to jump the gun, both leaders and followers. The party is preparing guidelines for the primaries in line with the Electoral Act. For anybody to jump the gun is not fair to the party, not fair to Mr. President, who is a soldier of democracy. Mr. President believes in fairness, justice, and a level playing field,” he said.

“I think it is a little too early for such a preferred candidate to be taken to Mr. President at this stage. What is the hurry? Let’s wait and ensure due process — complying with guidelines, buying forms, filling them, conducting primaries. At the end of the day, not only the governor but all of us will join him in introducing the APC candidate that emerged through a democratic process,” Al-Makura added.

He said it is the responsibility of stakeholders to collectively present the party’s candidate to the President, and that can only happen after primaries.

 Al-Makura: 'I’m for All Aspirants’

Al-Makura disclosed that although Governor Sule is his political son, he was not consulted on the choice of a preferred aspirant. He pledged that the party will ensure a free, fair, and credible direct primary for all governorship aspirants.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m for all of them. I’m for IG, I’m for Nalaraba, I’m for Wadada, I’m for all the aspirants as a leader and former governor. They are equal,” he said.

Recalling Tinubu’s own political battles, Al-Makura said the President would not subvert the will of the people. “You saw how he was tormented during his primaries, even by members of the same party. Some of those shouting his name today undermined him then. They never wanted him to come on board. Now they know the master of the game is in place and they are running helter-skelter to show fake solidarity. We who formed this party from the merger know who has strengthened democracy in the last 20 years.

“If you’re listing those who have contributed immensely to ensuring democracy survives, that list is incomplete without Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He struggled when people were running away. He took the bullet to ensure democracy survived. During the last primaries and general election, there was no mischief, blackmail, or sabotage that was not deployed. But because this man is loved and has won the hearts of Nigerians, he won his primaries hands down and won the election hands down.

“Given the President’s policies, reforms, and the relief he is granting Nigerians, the only thing we can do is ensure this primary and election are carried out in peace, with respect for the rule of law, and ensuring that people’s votes count. The mandate does not rest with Tanko Al-Makura, a commissioner, or the governor — it rests with the people.”

He urged aspirants to run rancor-free campaigns and assured that the Renewed Hope Agenda is taking root in Nasarawa, the North Central, and across Nigeria. “The people are beginning to realize the justification for Mr. President’s policies. Any moment from now, we will hold public engagements to explain the rationale and benefits of these reforms. Continue to support the APC and Mr. President’s agenda. I believe Nigeria will be a better place.”

Adamu: ‘We Are Not Deterred’

Responding, Adamu, the Walin Lafia, thanked Al-Makura for the warm reception and briefed him on developments around his campaign.

“I’m here with some members of my campaign team and other stakeholders. Just yesterday, I was told our supporters — especially those from Ciroma ward — organised a reception for me. When I arrived, I saw not only Ciroma supporters but people from across Lafia LGA, Nasarawa West Senatorial District, and other constituencies. They expressed concern but assured us not to relent because the people of Nasarawa State are behind us. They are happy with the Electoral Act that provides for direct primaries or consensus,” Adamu said.

“We want to assure Mr. President of our total commitment and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are ready to ensure the programmes and policies are pushed across the state so people are fully aware of them.”

Adamu also raised concerns about what he described as bias within the state party hierarchy.

“We have finalised our preparations before declaring our aspiration. We assessed the party structure, the electorate, and stakeholders. We saw problems within the party and have tried to solve them. But within the party, the executives at state level — who should be impartial — are showing bias. The party chairman in particular has taken a position and openly campaigns for Wadada against other aspirants, especially myself. He makes statements on social media and elsewhere. There is no neutrality, which is very unfortunate. That has culminated in what you are seeing now, but we are not deterred,” he said.

“The people of Nasarawa State are the determining factor. The governor, as an individual, has a right to say where his mind is. But that should not manifest in the governmental structure. For him to call all government officials and compel them to support his choice is wrong. The state party executive rooting for a particular candidate against others is also wrong.

“For us, we are not looking for free passage. We will meet whoever is an aspirant in the field. We are guided by the Electoral Act and the party constitution. We will follow all the rules and guidelines.”

Earlier, while addressing his supporters in Hausa at the Ciroma ward gathering, Adamu said the rally was necessary to correct misconceptions about his ambition.

“This gathering today in Ciroma ward, Lafia, is at the instance of my teeming supporters. It is very important because, as you can see, we do not require an election to gather. The large turnout shows the people love me,” he said.

“I was reliably informed that some powerful forces want to subvert the will of the people by going through the backdoor without following due process. Let me assure you today that the party’s constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria give everybody ample opportunity to contest. So there is no cause for alarm.”