Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State believes he has every right to back a successor of his choosing. He made the declaration during a statewide broadcast from Lafia on Friday.
According to Sule, the candidate he endorses must demonstrate capacity and vision. He said the endorsement reflects his constitutional and democratic privileges as governor.
The APC will use direct primary elections for its upcoming contest, Sule announced. He noted that party stakeholders had chosen this method deliberately.
Direct primaries guarantee fairness to all aspirants competing for office. Sule insisted the approach aligns with both party law and democratic values.
"I have exercised my constitutional and democratic right to support and endorse an aspirant whom I believe possesses the capacity, experience and vision to consolidate on the gains we have collectively made," he said.
Sule stressed his endorsement wouldn't stop other candidates from competing. The direct primary system would remain open and transparent, he added.
Peace must guide the 2027 election process, the governor warned. He urged APC members and supporters of other parties to show restraint.
Inflammatory language has no place in politics right now. Neither does intimidation or spreading false information, Sule cautioned.
"No ambition is greater than the peace, unity and progress of our dear State," he told residents. After primaries and elections conclude, he promised, everyone will remain united.
Sule called on security forces to stay alert during the entire process. They must remain neutral and protect citizens at all times, he noted.
Youth groups especially need guidance not to participate in violence. The governor warned against allowing politicians to manipulate young people for conflict.
History won't judge us by how fiercely we fought politically. Rather, it'll measure us by our willingness to overcome disagreements, Sule reflected.
"History will not remember us for the intensity of our political disagreements, but for our ability to rise above them in the interest of peace, development and future generations," he said.
Citizens across party lines have already begun declaring their interests statewide. Consultations are happening in communities everywhere, Sule observed.
This activity demonstrates democracy in practice, according to the governor. He called it "the beauty of democracy" unfolding before everyone's eyes.
