Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has attributed the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) failure to retain Osun State to what he described as interference by politicians based in Abuja.
Sule made the remark on Tuesday while speaking about the outcome of the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, which was won by the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.
The Nasarawa governor spoke during an event where he presented acknowledgement documents issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to APC candidates participating in the forthcoming governorship and State House of Assembly elections in Nasarawa State.
Reflecting on the APC’s performance in Osun, Sule argued that the party could have secured victory if certain political actors outside the state had refrained from interfering in the electoral process.
He specifically maintained that the party’s candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, had a strong opportunity to win the election but was disadvantaged by the involvement of politicians from Abuja.
Sule said the APC’s defeat was partly connected to the activities of Abuja-based politicians, insisting that the election could have produced a different result without their intervention.
The governor also suggested that the victory recorded by Adeleke demonstrated the considerable political influence enjoyed by a sitting governor within his state.
According to Sule, some of those celebrating the APC’s defeat might not fully appreciate the circumstances surrounding the outcome. He argued that the result largely demonstrated the strength and influence of the incumbent governor in Osun rather than simply reflecting the weakness of the APC candidate.
While discussing the party’s prospects ahead of future elections, Sule expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu and praised his administration’s performance since assuming office.
He said he would not make exaggerated promises about what the APC intended to accomplish, but maintained that Tinubu had performed creditably since becoming President.
Sule also used the occasion to advise APC candidates in Nasarawa State to remain committed to the party and concentrate on building a stronger political structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He warned politicians against engaging in activities capable of damaging the unity and credibility of the party.
The governor particularly mentioned political tactics such as excessive praise, character assassination, blackmail and behind-the-scenes manoeuvring, urging candidates to avoid such practices.
Sule encouraged APC candidates to conduct their campaigns in a manner that would strengthen the party rather than promote individual interests.
He cautioned them against secretly supporting candidates of rival political parties while publicly presenting themselves as loyal members of the APC.
According to him, voters are capable of identifying political inconsistencies, and candidates who engage in such behaviour may eventually face consequences at the polls.
The Nasarawa governor further rejected the idea of anti-party activities and political realignment, urging APC members to remain united and committed to the party’s objectives.
He called on candidates to work collectively, mobilise voters and campaign actively for APC candidates across the various levels of government.
Sule concluded by encouraging the candidates to remain loyal to the political platform under which they were contesting and urged them to persuade voters to support the party during future elections.
