By Musa Baba Adamu
A former governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has thrown his weight behind Governor Abdullahi Sule over the endorsement of Senator Aliyu Wadada as preferred successor, declaring that the move falls squarely within democratic norms.
Al-Makura, reacting to growing political tension in the state, said the governor’s decision should not be controversial, stressing that every political actor has the right to support a candidate of choice.
“I support Governor Sule’s choice of Wadada,” the former governor stated, insisting that attempts to fault the endorsement are misplaced.
He argued that political endorsements are a legitimate feature of Nigeria’s democracy and should not be used to fuel division, warning supporters against actions that could overheat the polity.
“Anybody supporting a candidate should support the candidate,” he said, while calling for restraint and respect for due process among political actors.
Drawing parallels with his time in office, Al-Makura recalled that he similarly endorsed Sule as his successor without interference, suggesting that the current situation is consistent with established political practice in the state.
“I am aware that our governor has endorsed my brother Wadada… and he did well because it is his choice. Nobody can stop him from having that opinion,” he added.
The former governor, however, signaled a more cautious approach to public commentary going forward, even as he urged unity and peaceful engagement among stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.
Observers say Al-Makura’s position could ease tensions within the ruling camp, as succession politics in Nasarawa begins to take clearer shape.
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