Tension: Nasarawa Youths call for calm, speak on who succeed Gov. Sule in 2027

From Abel Leonard, Lafia

Prominent youth groups across Nasarawa State have called for calm and restraint among citizens, particularly young people, amid rising political activities and speculations over who will succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule in 2027.

The youth leaders made the appeal at the weekend during a one-day interactive session with the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, held at the VIP Lodge, Akwanga.

Speaking at the event, the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Solomon John Damina, urged youths to avoid unnecessary tension and political agitation, stressing that the decision on who succeeds Governor Sule remains within his prerogative and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“As far as the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa State is concerned, we urge our teeming youthful population to eschew unnecessary tension and embrace calmness as political activities intensify until Governor Abdullahi Sule decides,” Damina said.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Nasarawa State Chapter, Habiba Umar Iliyasu, advised young people to allow the political process to unfold naturally.

“Until Governor Abdullahi Sule decides, the trajectory of our state’s political future is still unfolding. It is crucial we allow the process to take its natural course without undue pressure or agitation,” she said.

Other representatives of tribal, religious, and student bodies present at the meeting echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that peace and unity must remain a priority over political differences.

“Politics should not be a source of division amongst us. We must remain peaceful and focus on supporting whoever the leader of our state, Governor Abdullahi Sule, decides to anoint, in line with party legitimacy and due process,” the youth leaders stated.

The youth groups noted that their call for restraint was prompted by increasing political manoeuvres and heightened ambitions among potential aspirants across the ruling APC, adding that such developments, if not well managed, could create unnecessary tension in the state.

In his address, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, commended the youth for demonstrating maturity and political consciousness. 

He said the session was convened to foster peace and unity among the youth ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I am glad to interface with our young and vibrant youth today. This programme, convened by my Ministry in collaboration with the NYCN and other youth bodies, aims at mobilizing our youths for a peaceful political environment under the slogan ‘Until A.A. Sule Decides, Every Youth Should Remain Calm,’” Yakubu explained.

He cautioned that the growing political agitation over succession could destabilize the peace and progress achieved under Governor Sule’s administration if not properly managed.

“The Governor has called for caution and patience, urging citizens to remain calm in line with the approved electoral timetable before making his choice known to everyone,” Yakubu added.

He further called on youths to channel their energy toward productive ventures and contribute to the development of the state. 

Yakubu also hinted that the people of Nasarawa Northern Zone are still awaiting Governor Sule’s response to calls urging him to contest for the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat in 2027.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, praised the Commissioner for organizing the interactive session, noting that it would help douse political tension in the state.

“Wisdom dictates that we actually remain calm until Engr. A.A. Sule decides,” Dr. Alhassan said, adding that the Governor’s prudence and experience would guide him to make the right choice for the state’s future leadership.

The event drew participants from several youth and community-based organizations, including the Nasarawa State Youth Empowerment Agency, Mada Development Association, Eggon Youth Association, Rindre Youth Association.

Also, Nigerian Youth Parliament, Nasarawa North Senatorial Youth Forum, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atul Nasrul Islam (JNI), as well as various students’ unions and social media influencers.

The next interactive session is scheduled to hold in the Western Zone before concluding in the Southern Zone.

The gathering ended with a unanimous voice vote from participants, reaffirming the collective resolve of Nasarawa youths to remain calm “until Governor Abdullahi Sule decides” on his preferred successor in 2027.