From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Government has responded to a recent statement allegedly issued by one Alhaji Saleh Zazagga, purported chairman of a group identified as the North-Central APC Forum, accusing Governor Abdullahi Sule of playing a “double game” regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid.
In a strongly worded rejoinder issued on Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Addra, described the statement as a “diatribe riddled with inaccuracies, deliberate misrepresentations, and a glaring disconnect from the facts.”
Addra stressed that Governor Sule remains firmly committed to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to the leadership of President Tinubu.
“Governor Sule has consistently demonstrated his commitment to President Tinubu’s administration since its inception,” Addra stated. “His remarks at recent events were taken out of context and misrepresented by persons seeking to sow division within the party.”
The controversy stems from remarks made by Governor Sule at a recent event organized by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and supporters of the newly appointed Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji.
In his speech, the governor referred to former President Muhammadu Buhari as “the undisputed and symbolic leader of the defunct CPC bloc”—a statement which critics alleged was a veiled snub of President Tinubu.
But the CPS insisted that Sule’s remarks were a statement of historical fact rather than a political slight.
“Governor Sule is neither a favour seeker nor is he angling for any recognition from anyone. If Mr. Zazagga believes that Buhari is not the symbolic leader of the defunct CPC, then he owes the public an explanation—rather than beating around the bush,” Addra said.
He added that former President Buhari, as the founder of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), “remains a respected figure whose influence transcends factions.”
According to the statement, Governor Sule’s appeal to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to remain in the APC was part of a broader call for unity among legacy blocs within the party—a move that aligns with President Tinubu’s goal of an inclusive and consolidated APC.
“It is illogical and a deliberate distortion of context to suggest that Governor Sule is against President Tinubu because he acknowledged Buhari’s historical role,” the CPS said.
He also dismissed insinuations that Governor Sule is at odds with his predecessor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, calling such narratives “disingenuous.”
“Both leaders have worked collaboratively to redefine governance under the APC in Nasarawa State and beyond,” Addra noted.
Responding to allegations that Governor Sule opposed the President’s tax reforms, the statement clarified that the governor only represented the concerns of Northern Governors and Traditional Rulers.
“Governor Sule supported the position of the Northern Governors, which has since been accepted by both President Tinubu and the National Assembly,” Addra explained. “His focus remains on stimulating economic growth in Nasarawa State, which aligns with President Tinubu’s long-term vision.”
The governor’s office concluded by urging Alhaji Zazagga and his group to retract their claims and embrace unity within the party.
“The era of politics of deceit and illiteracy is long gone. Constructive engagement and loyalty to the APC’s vision under President Tinubu are the surest path to victory in 2027,” the statement emphasized.