Polls: How Gov. Sule tackling power struggle, Party divisions, political test of strength in Nasarawa

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia 

The political atmosphere in Nasarawa North Senatorial District has in recent months been defined by quiet tensions, open disagreements and strategic realignments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as Governor Abdullahi Sule continues to assert his influence amid rising internal resistance.

What began as subtle dissatisfaction among certain stakeholders over party direction and succession politics has gradually evolved into a broader contest for control within the APC structure in the zone, exposing deep-seated divisions among political actors who once operated under a united front.

At the centre of early controversy was Governor Sule’s perceived political alignment with Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada in the unfolding succession dynamics, a development that triggered unease among some party stakeholders who felt sidelined in consultations and decision-making processes. The situation fuelled quiet pushback within sections of the party hierarchy.

The political tension further escalated during preparations for the Nasarawa North senatorial bye-election, where the emergence of Barrister Danladi Halilu Envulu-Anza as the APC flag bearer reportedly did not sit well with certain influential blocs within the party who had preferred other aspirants.

Despite the internal reservations, Envulu-Anza secured the APC ticket and went on to represent the party in the election, a development widely interpreted as a test of Governor Sule’s political weight within the state’s ruling structure.

However, the unfolding political drama was not limited to candidate selection alone. Governor Sule also came under scrutiny from within his political environment, as some critics attempted to question his roots and indigene status in Mada land.

The allegation, which circulated in certain political circles, suggested that he was not a true indigene of the area.

Supporters and political observers, however, dismissed the claim as a calculated political narrative designed to weaken his standing and undermine his influence.

They argue that such assertions ignore established facts about his background and long-standing connection to the area. 

His father, they note, is a respected first-class traditional ruler in Mada land, while Governor Sule himself has lived most of his life in Akwanga and Gudi, where he built deep-rooted social, economic and political relationships over the years.

To many residents, the attempt to exclude him from the identity of the area appears inconsistent with his history and sustained presence within the community.

The development, analysts say, reflects the intensity of the ongoing political struggle in Nasarawa North, where questions of loyalty, influence and succession continue to shape alliances and rivalries within the APC.

The situation took another dimension when former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, was reported to have backed a candidate perceived to be outside the mainstream position of the APC establishment in the district.

The endorsement was widely viewed as a bold political statement and a clear indication of growing divisions among elite stakeholders in the region.

Observers say the move added a new layer of complexity to the political atmosphere, highlighting the depth of disagreement among influential figures who have historically played key roles in shaping the direction of politics in Nasarawa State.

Despite these challenges, Governor Sule has continued to project calm confidence, intensifying consultations with party leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and grassroots mobilisers across the senatorial district in an effort to stabilise the party structure and consolidate support.

He has consistently urged stakeholders to prioritise competence, development and unity over factional interests, stressing the need for politics of inclusion and progress rather than division.

The climax of the political contest came with the eventual victory of the APC in the Nasarawa North senatorial bye-election, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Barrister Danladi Halilu Envulu-Anza winner with 45,362 votes, securing a decisive win for the ruling party.

The outcome, according to political analysts, represents a significant consolidation of Governor Sule’s influence within the APC structure in the state, despite the internal opposition that trailed the process.

However, they also caution that the underlying tensions and rivalries have not been completely resolved, warning that the political alignments witnessed in the bye-election may resurface ahead of future electoral contests.

For now, Governor Sule appears to have weathered the storm, but Nasarawa North remains a theatre of strategic political calculation where loyalty, ambition and influence continue to shape the unfolding narrative