Nasarawa APC Adopts Direct Primary For 2027 Guber Race; Governor Sule Backs ‘Keffi Zone’ For Equity

Governor Abdullahi Sule confirms Nasarawa APC will use direct primaries for the 2027 race, backing Nasarawa West (Keffi Zone) for the governorship.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 3:33 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Daily Trust

A Shift Toward Grassroots Democracy

In a move aimed at enhancing internal democracy, the Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has discarded the delegate system in favor of a direct primary. During a high-level meeting in Lafia involving aspirants and National Assembly members, Governor Abdullahi Sule revealed that the majority of stakeholders preferred a process where every registered party member has a vote. This alignment mirrors the broader strategy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to promote transparency and minimize post-primary grievances. Governor Sule assured that the process would strictly adhere to the APC constitution and the Electoral Act, leaving "no room for excuses" for those who might consider defecting after a loss.

Zoning and the ‘Keffi Zone’ Mandate

The meeting also addressed the sensitive issue of power rotation within the state. Governor Sule made a definitive stand on zoning, declaring that Nasarawa West (the Keffi Senatorial Zone) is the rightful successor to the governorship. He noted that in the spirit of "brotherhood and equity," it is only fair to concede the slot to a zone that has been out of the Government House for two decades. This pronouncement is expected to streamline the field of aspirants, as the party seeks to maintain a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Strengthening Party Unity

Governor Sule expressed confidence that the direct primary model would act as a litmus test for the party's strength. By allowing the general membership to determine the flag bearer, the APC hopes to identify a candidate with genuine grassroots appeal. "The person who leaves after losing is leaving because he does not know how to lose," the Governor remarked, reinforcing the idea that a transparent process should naturally lead to party consolidation. Stakeholders at the meeting praised the Governor for his "fairness and equity" in navigating the high-stakes primary season.