By Aminu Mai Fata
The recent endorsement of Senator Ahmed Wadada by Governor Abdullahi Sule has been presented as a strategic masterstroke. In reality, it looks more like a rushed political calculation; one driven by pressure, uncertainty, frustrations and an attempt to outmaneuver an unfolding reality that can no longer be controlled.
Rather than consolidating his strength , the move has exposed deep cracks within the followership. What was intended as a show of authority may ultimately become a turning point that accelerates the rise of alternative forces; most notably Adamu Mohammed Abubakar
Governor Sule’s endorsement of Ahmed Wadada (did not emerge from a broad-based consultation with stakeholders or alignment with grassroots sentiment. It bears the hallmarks of a decision taken in haste, an attempt to preempt a political tide that is clearly shifting.
The governor, who is widely believed to be eyeing the senatorial seat in the Akwanga zone, appears to have calculated that imposing a successor would smooth his transition and secure his own political future. But that calculation underestimates both the intelligence of party stakeholders and the growing demand among the masses for a more credible, electable candidate.
At the heart of this hurried endorsement is a deeper concern: the diminishing ability to dictate political outcomes. For a sitting governor, the inability to install a preferred successor or secure a clear path to the Senate is a significant loss of influence.
This explains the urgency, and arguably the miscalculation. By attempting to force an outcome, Governor Sule may have inadvertently weakened his own position, signaling desperation rather than strength.
History offers a cautionary tale. Tanko Al-Makura, once defied the odds by defeating a sitting governor under a different platform. That precedent underscores a simple truth: endorsements do not win elections; people do. Governor also public admits that.
The consequences of this haste endorsement are already evident. Reports of aides being dismissed for aligning with Adamu Mohammed Abubakar reveal a growing intolerance for dissent within the ranks. Yet, such actions often backfire.Furthermore, there are many more aides of the governor who are fully aligned with Ex-IGP Adamu, and the governor will never identify them; thus, many fallouts are imminent.
Those who feel sidelined or abandoned are unlikely to remain politically homeless. The emerging reality is clear: many are beginning to gravitate toward a candidate perceived as more viable, more prepared, and more in tune with the electorate.
In this context, Adamu’s candidacy is gaining momentum, not just as an alternative, but as a rallying point for those seeking competence, structure, and broad acceptability.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been unequivocal: consensus can only stand when all aspirants agree. Where there is no unanimity, direct primaries become inevitable.
And that is where this entire equation shifts. Direct primaries remove the power of imposition and return it to party members. They reward preparation, grassroots connection, and electability, not political maneuvering. In such a contest, the advantage tilts toward candidates with widespread acceptance and organizational depth.
By all indications, that terrain favors Adamu. A Blessing in Disguise
Ironically, what was meant to sideline other aspirants within the party may have done the exact opposite. The endorsement of Wadada has clarified the stakes, energized stakeholders, and exposed the limits of one man decision
For Adamu and his supporters, this moment is less of a setback and more of an opening, a chance to demonstrate strength in a fair contest.
Governor Sule’s move may go down as a classic example of political overreach. In trying to avoid an inevitable loss of control, he may have accelerated it.
The path forward is becoming clearer: if the process is allowed to follow the party’s rules, and if direct primaries are conducted, the ultimate decision will rest where it belongs, with the people.
And increasingly, the people appear ready to make a different choice.
Aminu MaiFata writes from Keffi Nasarawa state