The Nasarawa State Government has strongly refuted allegations made by a factional political group accusing Governor Abdullahi Sule of undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and second-term prospects.
The rebuttal came in a statement issued Monday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra, in response to comments by Alhaji Saleh Zazagga, who identified himself as Chairman of the North-Central APC Forum. Zazagga had alleged that Governor Sule was “playing a double game” with regard to President Tinubu’s political agenda.
Describing the claims as “a diatribe riddled with inaccuracies, deliberate misrepresentations, and a glaring disconnect from the facts,” Addra insisted that Governor Sule remains steadfastly loyal to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the leadership of President Tinubu.
“Governor Sule has consistently demonstrated his commitment to President Tinubu’s administration since its inception,” Addra said. “His recent statements have been taken out of context by individuals determined to incite discord within the party.”
The controversy followed remarks made by the governor at an event hosted by ALGON and supporters of the new Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji. During his speech, Governor Sule referred to former President Muhammadu Buhari as the “undisputed and symbolic leader of the defunct CPC bloc.” Some critics interpreted the statement as a veiled criticism of President Tinubu.
But the CPS clarified that the governor’s comment was “a statement of historical fact,” and not a political slight.
“If Mr. Zazagga believes former President Buhari is not the symbolic leader of the defunct CPC, then he owes the public an explanation. Governor Sule only stated what is widely acknowledged,” Addra added.
The statement further emphasized that Governor Sule’s call for former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to remain in the APC was part of a broader appeal for unity among the party’s legacy blocs—a vision shared by President Tinubu.
“It is both illogical and dishonest to equate that with disloyalty to President Tinubu,” the governor’s spokesman noted.
Addra also dismissed reports of a rift between Governor Sule and his predecessor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, as “false and disingenuous.”
“Both leaders continue to work collaboratively to advance the APC’s goals and redefine governance in Nasarawa State and beyond,” he said.
Addressing concerns about alleged opposition to President Tinubu’s tax reforms, the statement clarified that Governor Sule only conveyed the concerns of Northern Governors and Traditional Rulers—concerns that have since been addressed and accepted by the presidency and the National Assembly.
“Governor Sule’s stance aligns with President Tinubu’s long-term economic vision for Nigeria,” Addra affirmed.
The Nasarawa State Government concluded by urging Alhaji Zazagga and his group to retract their “baseless accusations” and work toward party unity.
“The era of politics based on deceit and misinformation is over. The APC’s success in 2027 hinges on loyalty, constructive dialogue, and shared progress,” the statement read.
