Nasarawa Youth Forum Rejects ‘Imposition’ of Guber Candidate, Demands Transparent APC Primaries
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
The Forum of National Youth Presidents’ Ethnic Nationalities, Nasarawa State Chapter, has called for a transparent and democratic process in the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, following the recent endorsement of Senator Aliyu Wadada by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
In a press statement issued after a meeting held on April 18, 2026, in Lafia, the group acknowledged the governor’s constitutional right to express a preference but insisted that any candidate must emerge through due process and broad-based participation.
The forum referenced the precedent set during the administration of former Governor Tanko Al-Makura, noting that despite his endorsement of Abdullahi Sule, the selection process allowed for multiple aspirants and followed established democratic procedures.
The youth leaders expressed concern that the recent declaration was made without adequate consultation with ethnic nationalities across the state.
They emphasized the need for a level playing field for all aspirants contesting for the APC ticket to ensure credibility and inclusiveness.
On the issue of zoning, the group maintained that it has never been an established or constitutional practice in Nasarawa State.
According to the forum, political contests in the state have historically remained open, allowing aspirants from different zones to compete freely.
The forum also demanded that political parties, particularly the APC, present indigenous governorship candidates, warning against what it described as any attempt to impose non-indigenes on the people.
It stressed that such a move would be resisted through grassroots mobilization.
“We will not support the imposition of a non-indigenous candidate on the natives in the interest of fairness, equity, and justice,” the statement read, adding that their primary allegiance remains with the people rather than any political party.
The group further urged citizens to avoid inflammatory statements and maintain peace, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting the democratic and political future of Nasarawa State.
