Political Tensions Rise as Pressure Mounts on Governor Sule to Choose Tinubu or Step Aside

A political group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s North Central zone has called on Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, to openly declare his support for President Bola Tinubu and his expected 2027 re-election bid—or clearly state his position.

The North Central APC Forum issued the call in response to Governor Sule’s recent remarks about the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which merged into the APC. His comments have stirred uncertainty over his loyalty amid shifting party dynamics.

Recent reports suggest that key figures from the CPC bloc are being courted by an opposition alliance led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. However, in April, ex-Governor Tanko Al-Makura led a public endorsement of Tinubu, reaffirming the CPC bloc’s commitment to the APC and distancing it from the opposition.

That endorsement was contested by former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, who insisted that only former President Muhammadu Buhari—whom he represents—has the authority to determine the CPC’s political direction.

During a gathering in Lafia on May 3, Governor Sule echoed Malami’s view, stating, “Only one person in this world can decide for the CPC, and that is our father, Muhammadu Buhari… He is the CPC himself.”

This statement drew sharp criticism from the North Central APC Forum. Its chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, argued that Governor Sule’s position contradicts the bloc’s public alignment with Tinubu.

The Forum also emphasized Al-Makura’s legitimacy, citing his historic role as the only governor elected under the CPC and as a key figure in the APC merger. “No one can claim to be more CPC than Al-Makura,” Zazzaga stated.