Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has publicly discouraged opposition parties from attempting to recruit former President Muhammadu Buhari into their coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections. This advice comes amid speculation that the former Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) bloc, a legacy party that merged to form the APC, might align with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who is reportedly planning a movement against President Bola Tinubu and the APC. Governor Sule firmly asserted that Buhari, a founding father of the APC, and other CPC members would remain loyal to the party due to President Tinubu’s achievements since assuming office in 2023.
Governor Sule emphasized Buhari’s pivotal role within the CPC, stating that only the former president has the authority to decide the party’s direction. He recounted a visit to Buhari in Kaduna, where they reaffirmed their commitment to remain within the APC and continue building the party. This underscores the governor’s belief that Buhari’s influence and his consistent 12 million voters will remain within the APC fold. The governor’s statement serves as a strong rebuttal to rumors of a potential CPC defection, presenting a united front within the ruling party.
The occasion for this political statement was a grand reception organized by the chairmen of Nasarawa State’s 13 local government areas to honor the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Labaran Magaji. Governor Sule commended Magaji’s appointment and urged him to maintain his integrity and diligence in his new role. He also praised the organizers for putting together the event, highlighting the presence of diverse groups – politicians, lawyers, women, youth, traditional and religious leaders – as a contribution to peace and unity in the state. The reception thus became a platform for both celebrating a political appointment and addressing broader political dynamics.
Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and chairman of the reception, lauded Magaji’s performance as the previous Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Nasarawa State. He highlighted Magaji’s legal reforms, including initiatives to expedite justice delivery, allowing certain criminal cases to be resolved within four weeks, a significant improvement over previous lengthy proceedings. Malami also emphasized Magaji’s advocacy for alternative sentencing to reduce prison overcrowding and his efforts to empower Area Court Judges to preside over criminal cases, thereby enhancing access to justice, particularly for those in rural communities. These accomplishments painted a picture of Magaji as a reformer dedicated to improving the justice system.
Further accolades came from Safiyanu Andaha, the state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). Andaha described Magaji as a seasoned politician and administrator with experience at both state and national levels. He praised Governor Sule’s choice of Magaji, underscoring the new SSG’s reputation as a people-oriented public servant. The ALGON chairman’s endorsement further solidified Magaji’s standing and demonstrated support for the governor’s appointment. The reception, intended to honor Magaji, also served as a public display of political unity and strength.
Finally, Magaji himself expressed gratitude for the support and recognition he received, promising continued dedication and commitment to his duties as SSG. His remarks concluded an event that combined celebration of a new appointment with a clear message of political loyalty and unity within the APC, particularly regarding the role of former President Buhari and the CPC bloc. The governor’s strong stance against any potential defection, coupled with the praise for Magaji, underlines the political maneuvering and consolidation of power within Nasarawa State’s ruling party.
