The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has asserted that as the 2027 general elections approach, the opposition parties are feeling the pressure due to an escalating number of governors shifting allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He attributes this trend to the positive outcomes of reforms implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sule made these remarks during an exclusive interview featured on Channels Television’s Politics Today, which was watched by our correspondent from the state capital, Lafia.
The governor strongly rejected claims from opposition leaders suggesting that the defection of governors would not offer any electoral benefit to the ruling party. He emphasized that governors play pivotal roles in driving development and wield considerable power over the political landscape in their states.
He reminisced about the political shifts in 2014 when several governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joined the APC, a move he credited with significantly contributing to the election of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
Sule noted that the current trend of defections mirrors this historical pattern and indicates that the APC's influence is growing as the 2027 elections draw near.
“The reality is that having more governors translates to greater opportunities,” Sule stated. “In 2014, when some PDP governors transitioned to the APC, it was a critical factor in ensuring that late President Muhammadu Buhari won the presidency in 2015.
“Anyone who suggests that having more governors diminishes your chances is misinformed about political dynamics. Governors possess influence and crucial roles in shaping political outcomes.”
In response to concerns about Nigeria evolving into a one-party state, Sule emphasized the unlikelihood of all 36 state governors aligning under a single political party.
“Just last Wednesday, we welcomed the 29th governor from Plateau State to our gathering. These are governors advocating for the party, themselves, and President Bola Tinubu. It is implausible for all 36 governors to be affiliated with the same party. Even if such a scenario occurs, Nigeria cannot become a one-party state. We are currently 29 members and expect more to join,” he remarked.
The influx of governors into the APC, he noted, is already causing trepidation among opposition members.
“Why are they so reactive to the departure of governors to the APC? Why is a governor's departure viewed as a betrayal? It raises the question: how influential are these governors if their exits cause such alarm?” Sule argued.
He credited the mass defection primarily to the beneficial effects of President Tinubu’s economic policies.
Sule explained that Tinubu’s financial reforms have improved revenue streams for states, allowing governors to embark on noticeable development projects.
“Across every state in Nigeria, marked improvements are visible due to the increased revenues these governors are receiving. Development is evident in every region, and it is the governors who are facilitating this growth, backed by the federal government and President Tinubu’s reforms,” he highlighted.
Contrary to the opposition's assertion that the 2027 presidential election represents a challenge between the APC and the Nigerian populace, Sule stated that the election will be a contest between the APC's Tinubu/Shettima duo and all other candidates from opposition parties.
“2027 will be a battle between Tinubu/Shettima and the various opposition candidates. It is not a contest between the APC and the Nigerian people. Nigerians will support the candidates who have positively impacted their lives, whether in gubernatorial, senatorial, or House of Representatives elections. This has always been the case. Who among the opposing candidates can match the APC?”
He characterized the opposition's rhetoric as standard political practice, noting the attempts by opposition members to undermine the achievements of President Tinubu and the APC.
Sule stressed that the governors who defect are now agents of the party, promoting its ideals, themselves, and President Tinubu, thereby rendering the Tinubu/Shettima ticket an increasingly formidable presence that is beginning to unsettle rival factions ahead of the 2027 elections.
As part of the discussions from the recent APC national working committee meeting, Sule shared insights into decisions made regarding the upcoming party congresses, the sale of nomination forms, and the importance of current electronic registration efforts for members.
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