Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dismissed insinuations that he has anointed some candidates for the All Progressives Congress, APC’s primary elections.
Speaking during a Press briefing at the NUJ Press Centre in Lafia on Thursday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Hon. Peter Ahemba said Governor Sule was totally committed to the principles of internal democracy and transparency.
He explained that the governor has prepared a level playing field for all aspirants and that there was no preferred candidate.
”I want to use this opportunity to state clearly and categorically that His Excellency, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has no anointed candidate. The All Progressives Congress in Nasarawa State has no anointed candidate,” Ahemba said.
According to the SSA, the power to choose the representatives resides solely with the party members and he urged the public to disregard rumour which he noted was intended to cause friction within the party.
He further clarified that the direct primary mode of the election would strictly be adhered to as contained in the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended).
He dismissed fears of a last-minute switch in the voting process.
”The Electoral Act 2026 provides for only two modes of conducting primary election: direct and consensus. In its wisdom, the APC has adopted the direct mode. There is no way we will now shift the goalpost to adopt any other mode, which would be illegal,” he explained.
He further explained that under the direct primary system, all eligible and registered party members in Nasarawa State will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred aspirants at their respective wards.
Hon Ahemba warned against violence, calling on politicians and their supporters to avoid heating up the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The SSA revealed that security agencies, including the Police and Civil Defence, have been fully mobilised to various venues to maintain law and order during the elections.
”His Excellency will not condone any act of violence from any politician or group of politicians under whatever guise. Anyone who decides to cause any unnecessary unrest will definitely have him or herself to blame because the law will certainly catch up with such person,” he warned.
The SSA maintained that only cards issued by the party secretariat, bearing official stamps and security features, would be recognised adding that eligibility to vote is contingent upon being a genuine, registered member who is up-to-date with party dues.
”The party is aware of the proliferation of fake membership cards being printed in some cafes. The original card is the one that comes from the party secretariat directly with the party stamp. If you go outside what is recognized by the party, such cards will certainly not be allowed,” Ahemba stated.
He commended the Nasarawa State Council of the NUJ for its support, urging journalists to maintain professionalism and verify information to combat the spread of fake news on social media.
