Sule reads riot act to APC LG executives, insists on loyalty to party, Tinubu

Abdullahi Sule, the Nasarawa State governor, has issued a strong warning to the newly elected local government and ward executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), telling them to pledge absolute loyalty to the party and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or risk being ousted.

Speaking at a meeting with APC executives from the Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone in Keffi, Sule made it clear that there would be no room for disloyal elements within the party structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor revealed that he had to excuse himself from a crucial meeting with the President in order to honour the Keffi engagement, underscoring what he described as the meeting’s importance to him and the future of the party in the state.

He explained that the PGF chairman had to intervene and explain to Mr. President why he needed to leave, stressing that the grassroots engagement was in line with the party’s broader strategy.

Drawing a direct link between his interactions in Abuja and the gathering in Keffi, the Governor told the party executives that the loyalty he pledged to Tinubu on behalf of the state must be replicated at the local level.

“I can not promise him loyalty if there is no loyalty at the grassroots. That is why it is very important for me to also get your loyalty going forward. We can not afford to make a mistake in Nasarawa State. Things are going in the right direction for the APC. I don’t want us, for whatever reason, not to be part of that success story,” he stated.

In a veiled warning to those who might harbour divergent loyalties, the Governor reminded the executives that the window for making changes to the newly elected leadership was still open.

He urged anyone who felt unable to remain faithful to the party and government to step down quietly rather than work against the system from within.

“You are not our enemy. We are willing to allow you to step down so that we can bring somebody within this period of change. You can still be a member of the party, but you can’t be in the party and start dancing a different tune. It will not be tolerated,” he said.

The Governor, however, struck a conciliatory tone, stating that he preferred dialogue over threats, noting that he usually begins with appeals before taking any drastic action, but made it clear that disloyalty would not be condoned.

He also took the opportunity to address the sensitive issue of zoning, which has continued to generate debate within the party.

He dismissed insinuations that his decision to hold the first meeting in Keffi was influenced by zoning considerations, attributing it to logistics. However, he affirmed his belief in the zoning arrangement, describing it as a mechanism that has fostered peace and inclusiveness in the state.

“All the three zones have aspirants that are capable of being the governor of Nasarawa State. But I believe that zoning works. I can not be believing in zoning in Abuja and when I come to Nasarawa I say I don’t believe in it,” he stated.

He warned party members against mocking other zones or stoking division, urging them to instead persuade and attract others to the cause. He also advised the newly elected officials to carry along those who lost out during the congresses, noting that such persons were not enemies but potential allies.

Governor Sule also expressed gratitude to elder statesman and former governor of the state, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, for his role in the recent party congresses. He commended Adamu for his continued commitment to the party and for initiating talks with governorship aspirants from the zone to foster unity ahead of the primaries.

On the issue of how the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election would emerge, the Governor said the decision on whether to adopt consensus or direct primary would be collectively taken and must be respected by all.