Former Nasarawa State Governor and North-Central Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has declared his support for the governorship ambition of former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, ahead of the Nasarawa APC primaries.
Al-Makura, who also serves as Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board, made the declaration on Sunday at the Emir’s Palace in Lafia during the grand finale of consultative visits by Adamu’s campaign team to traditional rulers in the state.
He said his decision to back Adamu was based on the belief that the former IGP possesses the leadership qualities needed to govern Nasarawa State effectively.
He explained that the final stop of the traditional consultations was held in Lafia because it is the hometown of the aspirant.
“It is not a courtesy; it is an obligation for the son, after having seen virtually every leader, every emirate, every chief, every royalty, to come back home as the grand finale to brief his father about the successes and gains he has had in the entire campaign, especially now that it remains just about three days before the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress.
“The visit is to seek royal blessings, royal guidance and royal support from his father and father of the land. Therefore, we are before you today in the congregation of supporters and admirers of IGP Adamu, to pay what I call a special courtesy, different from all other courtesies paid in various palaces,” he said.
Al-Makura expressed confidence that Adamu would emerge victorious in the upcoming APC governorship primaries, adding that he has the capacity to take Nasarawa State to a higher level of development.
“So, we want to assure you that we are happy that the exercise has come in line with what every lover of democracy would want: not endorsement, not consensus, not preferential treatment, but the people must vote and their votes must count.
“Your royal majesty, we assure you that you will be proud of IGP Adamu. You will be proud of all the people doing his campaign, because we will do it in consonance with best practices and the provisions of the law guiding this exercise. Finally, we assure you that, by the special grace of God, we are going to come out in flying colours,” Al-Makura said.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the APC leadership for adopting direct primaries, saying it strengthens democracy and empowers party members.
“We also express our happiness that Mr President and the party have endorsed direct primaries, which is the endorsement of the people. This has put a lie to anybody who would endorse anyone for whatever purpose. The mandate to choose is now with the people,” he added.
The governorship aspirant, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, thanked the Emir of Lafia for his support and blessings, saying he had received encouragement from the traditional institution and the grassroots.
He said he would continue seeking royal guidance as he progresses in his governorship ambition, while assuring that he remains committed to peaceful and lawful conduct throughout the process.
The Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), in his response, wished the aspirant well and advised him to maintain peace and order regardless of the outcome of the APC primaries.
