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…As Eggon influence complicates situation
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The forthcoming Nasarawa North Senatorial by-election has emerged as another major political test for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Abdullahi Sule, not necessarily because of the party’s electoral strength in the district, but due to the complex internal dynamics that now define the ruling party in Nasarawa State.
Triggered by the demise of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, the by-election, Daily Sun gathered, presents the APC with a responsibility that goes beyond simply filling a vacant seat. It is a decision that carries significant political consequences for the party’s cohesion, Governor Sule’s authority, and the unfolding contest for power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Investigations by Daily Sun further revealed that political observers across the state agree that while the APC remains electorally dominant in Nasarawa North, the real challenge lies within. Daily Sun gathered that the party is currently grappling with internal strains, leadership realignments, rising ambitions, and growing uncertainty over succession, all of which have turned what should have been a routine by-election into what one of the sources called “a sensitive political hurdle.”
“In normal circumstances, a senatorial by-election is often viewed as a stop-gap exercise, a means to complete representation until the next general polls. However, in Nasarawa North, the situation is markedly different. The senator who eventually emerges will enjoy visibility, access to federal platforms, political leverage, and influence over grassroots structures for at least one year before 2027. In a political climate where positioning has already begun for the next governorship contest, this reality has elevated the importance of the seat far beyond its legislative function. For Governor Abdullahi Sule, the choice of candidate is, therefore, a strategic decision that must align immediately after electoral victory with long-term political calculations,” a source said.
“This election is not just about winning,” a senior APC stakeholder in Lafia noted. “It is about who you empower, who you trust, and how that decision affects the future balance of power within the party,” he added.
Governor Sule finds himself at the centre of a delicate balancing act. On one hand, he must ensure that the APC retains the seat convincingly, avoiding any sign of internal disarray or electoral vulnerability.
On the other hand, he must consider how the emergence of a new senator could reshape internal party equations at a time when the APC is already facing intense internal competition, pundits say.
Within the party, there is a growing consensus that loyalty, proximity, and alignment with the governor’s leadership are now critical considerations. Several stakeholders argue that empowering a senator who later becomes politically independent or antagonistic could weaken the governor’s influence as the state inches closer to a succession contest.
A senior party source described the situation as one that demands firmness and foresight. “This by-election is another hurdle because it must be handled carefully. The governor needs someone he can rely on, someone very close to him, who understands party discipline and collective interest. Loyalty is not a luxury at this stage; it is a necessity,” the source said.
Complicating matters further are the existing internal issues within the APC in Nasarawa State, Daily Sun’s investigations further reveal. Party insiders acknowledge that the ruling party is currently experiencing one of its most intense internal competition phases since its formation, as more than 20 individuals, cutting across political blocs, zones, and interest groups, are reportedly indicating interest in the governorship ahead of 2027. While ambition is not new in politics, the scale and openness of these aspirations have heightened tensions within the party.
Political analysts note that such a crowded field naturally breeds rivalry, suspicion, and strategic manoeuvring, all of which can spill into decisions such as candidate selection for a by-election. Adding to the uncertainty are persistent rumours of possible defections by some senior party figures, including speculations surrounding a former APC state chairman.
Although no official announcement has been made, the rumours themselves have fuelled anxiety within party ranks and reinforced perceptions of a fragile internal equilibrium. “These things matter,” a political analyst in Lafia observed. “Even rumours affect calculations. Leaders become cautious. Decisions are weighed not just on popularity, but on trust and long-term loyalty.”
The by-election has also reopened debates about leadership control within the APC. With the party navigating internal reforms, leadership restructuring, and competing power centres, many stakeholders believe the choice of a senatorial candidate will signal the direction of authority within the party. Observers argue that whoever emerges as the APC flag bearer is likely to be perceived, rightly or wrongly, as having the backing of the governor. This perception alone could reshape alliances, deepen loyalty among some blocs, and alienate others.
Mr. Abdullahi Musa, a political observer in Lafia, warned that miscalculations at such moments often come back to haunt leaders. “When a leader empowers someone without clear alignment, it can create problems in the future. Politics is about timing and trust. If the governor has ambitions beyond his current office, today’s choices must not become tomorrow’s obstacles,” he said.
Another sensitive issue is constituency balance within Nasarawa North. Senator Godiya Akwashiki’s tenure was rooted in a delicate arrangement that ensured a sense of inclusion and fairness among the constituencies within the district.
Many APC elders believe that presenting a candidate from the same constituency as the late senator would help maintain internal harmony and avoid accusations of marginalisation.
According to multiple sources, traditional rulers from the Nasarawa North zone are alleged to have held consultations with Governor Abdullahi Sule, during which they reportedly submitted the name of a preferred individual from Nasarawa Eggon whom they believe the governor can trust to ensure stability, continuity, and party cohesion.
The sources said the intervention by the monarchs was informed by concerns over political balance in the zone following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, as well as the need to avoid internal resistance ahead of the by-election.
Although there has been no official confirmation of the alleged meeting, the development has intensified internal consultations within the APC, with many stakeholders viewing it as a signal of grassroots expectations.
Observers also caution that any attempt to field a candidate not from Nasarawa Eggon may not deliver the maximum electoral outcome required for the party, given the area’s critical role in mobilising voters and shaping party acceptance.
Across the senatorial district, throughout the consultations, one theme consistently emerges, and that is the need to balance grassroots appeal with internal loyalty. APC stakeholders insist that the eventual candidate must be capable of mobilising voters, energising party structures, and winning convincingly at the polls.
At the same time, the candidate must be seen as dependable, disciplined, and firmly aligned with the governor’s political direction. “The governor needs someone who will do his bidding and also connect with the people,” a youth leader in Wamba, Kefas O. Kefas stressed.
“That combination will make the election smooth and protect the party’s future,” Kefas added.
Political analysts argue that failure to strike this balance could either result in electoral embarrassment or internal rebellion, outcomes of which the APC can ill-afford at this stage.
Governance analyst, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed described the by-election as a defining test of leadership for Governor Sule. “Every election test leadership. This one gives the governor the opportunity to consolidate trust within the party by choosing someone dependable and widely acceptable. How this is handled will speak volumes about his control of the party machinery,” she said.
She added that transparent consultation, inclusive decision-making, and strategic clarity would be key to preventing post-election grievances.
As the countdown to the by-election continues, expectations remain high that the APC will approach the process with caution, unity, and political wisdom. Stakeholders believe that the manner in which the candidate emerges may either calm internal tensions or deepen existing fault lines.
For Governor Abdullahi Sule, the stakes are unmistakably high. The decision will not only determine who represents Nasarawa North in the senate, but also shape internal party alignments ahead of 2027.
Ultimately, the Nasarawa North Senate by-election stands as another hurdle for the APC and Governor Abdullahi Sule. The contest, analysts, say, is one that demands carefulness, strategic restraint, and political foresight to secure victory, manage ambition, prevent internal fractures, and sustain stability within the ruling party in Nasarawa State.
