Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has dismissed speculations of a possible defection by former President Muhammadu Buhari and members of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Lafia on Friday during a grand reception organised by the chairmen of the state’s 13 local government areas in honour of newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Labaran Magaji, Governor Sule warned opposition politicians to stop courting Buhari to join any coalition aimed at challenging the APC.
Recent reports had suggested that some CPC loyalists might align with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in his purported bid to lead an opposition movement against President Bola Tinubu.
Sule, however, firmly rejected the rumours, stating that Buhari remains a pillar of the APC and would not abandon the party he helped build.
“There is no CPC without Muhammadu Buhari. He is the CPC himself. Wherever he goes, he carries his 12 million supporters with him,” Sule said. “That’s why we went to him in Kaduna and said, ‘Baba, you’re not going anywhere. We’re staying in this house (APC) together to continue building it.’”
He praised President Tinubu’s leadership, saying the CPC bloc has no reason to break away given the administration’s achievements since 2023.
The governor also commended Labaran Magaji, the immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Nasarawa, urging him to maintain integrity and diligence in his new role as SSG.
Also speaking at the event, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, lauded Magaji’s record of legal reform during his time in office, including fast-tracking criminal cases and promoting alternative sentencing to decongest prisons.
“Labaran’s impact has been significant, especially in restoring authority to Area Court Judges and improving access to justice in rural communities,” Malami said. “His appointment is a clear reflection of his competence and commitment.”
Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Nasarawa, Safiyanu Andaha, described Magaji as a seasoned administrator with strong credentials at both state and national levels.
In his response, Magaji expressed gratitude to the organisers and attendees, pledging to serve the state with dedication and uphold the trust placed in him.
