Mohammed Al-Makura has secured the APC ticket for Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency unopposed. His rival, Hon.
Isaac Ali Kigbu, withdrew from the race on Thursday.
Al-Makura, a former House member and nephew of ex-Governor Tanko Al-Makura, now stands as the party's sole representative candidate. The 2027 general elections are drawing closer.
Kigbu announced his exit during a press briefing in Lafia. He credited consultations with party brass, particularly Governor Abdullahi Sule, for his decision.
"After extensive consultations with party leadership, and in particular with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, I have reached the considered decision to withdraw my candidacy from this contest," Kigbu told reporters.
Party unity motivated his choice, according to the lawmaker. He emphasized that political positions are temporary but party strength must remain solid.
"Politics is transient, but the strength of our platform and our collective resolve to deliver good governance to the people of Nigeria must endure," he noted at the briefing.
Kigbu called on his backers across both local government areas to rally behind Al-Makura. He urged them to support President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda as well.
Social media claims that he pocketed ₦50 million for stepping aside are baseless, Kigbu insisted. He denied receiving any cash or favors whatsoever.
"Let it be stated clearly I, Hon. Isaac Ali Kigbu, have not received the sum of ₦50 million, nor any form of inducement, from any individual or group in relation to this process," he said flatly.
According to him, his withdrawal reflects genuine party loyalty. It wasn't born from any compromise, he stressed.
Kigbu plans to keep serving the constituency through other public service channels. His commitment transcends electoral outcomes, he made clear.
Al-Makura's emergence as the consensus choice marks a significant development in Nasarawa politics. The path appears clear for him heading into the coming elections.
