Pressure Mounts as Governor Sule Reconsiders Senate Bid

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has disclosed that mounting pressure from family members, political associates, and supporters is forcing him to reconsider his earlier decision not to contest for a senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Sule, who is serving his second term, made the revelation during an appearance on Channels Television, stating that persistent appeals have made it increasingly difficult for him to completely rule out a bid for the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat.

“The overwhelming pressure from parents, supporters, and people that have worked with me throughout this period is so much that it is a situation I may have to reconsider,” the governor said.

He had repeatedly maintained throughout his tenure that he would not seek elective office after completing his constitutionally mandated eight years. However, he noted that the current push from loyalists is significant enough to prompt a rethink.

Senatorial Bid Not Driven by Necessity

Sule dismissed suggestions that a potential move to the Senate would follow a familiar pattern of former governors transitioning to the National Assembly after leaving office. According to him, the ambition is not driven by personal necessity.

“I don’t need to go to the Senate,” he said, insisting that his relevance in national affairs predates his entry into partisan politics.

He cited his track record in the private sector, including leadership roles at African Petroleum and Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, where he said he built a strong reputation within Nigeria’s capital market. Sule also highlighted his current role as Chairman of the North-Central Governors’ Forum, which he said underscores his continued influence within the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Succession and National Issues

With his tenure set to end in May 2027, the governor said he has yet to determine who will succeed him but acknowledged that several qualified individuals are interested in the governorship.

On national issues, Sule maintained that state governors have been candid with President Bola Tinubu regarding the country’s economic and security challenges. He also reiterated his support for the creation of state police, describing it as necessary to address Nigeria’s security concerns.

Commenting on opposition politics, the governor downplayed the strength of the African Democratic Congress, arguing that the ruling party’s dominance across most states leaves little room for concern.