Pressure Mounts on Sule to Contest 2027 Senate Seat

By Abah Margaret

Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has revealed that increasing pressure from family members, associates, and supporters may push him to reconsider his earlier decision not to contest in the 2027 general elections.

Sule, who is currently serving his second term, made the disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television, where he admitted that calls for him to run for the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat have continued to intensify.

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

The governor had consistently maintained throughout his tenure that he would not seek any elective office after completing his constitutionally mandated eight years in 2027. However, he noted that the growing appeals from loyalists are becoming difficult to ignore.

Sule dismissed suggestions that a possible senatorial bid would simply follow the common trend of former governors moving to the National Assembly, insisting that such a move would not be driven by personal ambition.

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

He highlighted his private sector experience, including leadership roles at African Petroleum and Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, where he said he built a strong reputation within Nigeria’s capital market.

The governor also pointed to his current role as Chairman of the North-Central Governors’ Forum, noting that it reflects his continued influence within the ruling All Progressives Congress.

With his tenure set to end in May 2027, Sule said he is yet to decide on a preferred successor, although he acknowledged that several capable individuals have shown interest in the governorship.

On national matters, the governor stated that state leaders have been frank with President Bola Tinubu regarding the country’s economic and security challenges. He also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police as a solution to Nigeria’s security concerns.

Speaking on opposition politics, Sule downplayed the strength of the African Democratic Congress, arguing that the dominance of the ruling party across most states leaves little cause for concern.