Governor Sule warns against wooing Buhari into any coalition seeking to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election. He gave this warning on Friday during a grand reception in Lafia, held in honor of the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Magaji.
Recently, speculation has emerged about a potential alliance involving the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai. According to media reports, El-Rufai may lead a breakaway movement to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the APC at the next polls.
However, Governor Sule dismissed the claims outright. He stressed that former President Muhammadu Buhari remains loyal to the APC and will not join any opposition bloc. In his view, Buhari continues to serve as the face and voice of the CPC faction.
“There is only one person who can speak for CPC, and that is our father, Muhammadu Buhari,” Sule declared. “He carries his 12 million loyal voters everywhere he goes. He is not going anywhere.”
Furthermore, Sule explained that they visited Buhari in Kaduna to reinforce party unity. “We told him, ‘Baba, you’re not leaving. We will stay in this house and build it together,’” he recalled.
In addition, the governor encouraged Magaji to remain upright and committed in his duties. Previously, Magaji served as Attorney General of Nasarawa State, where he introduced bold legal reforms. These included reducing delays in criminal cases and improving access to justice.
Notably, Sule also praised the organizers of the event. He appreciated the 13 council chairmen, traditional leaders, political stakeholders, and youth groups for coming together to celebrate a worthy appointee. According to him, such gatherings promote peace and unity across ethnic and religious lines.
Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney General of the Federation, chaired the event. He commended Magaji’s achievements, especially in fast-tracking legal processes and easing prison congestion. In particular, Malami praised his push for alternative sentencing and restoring Area Court Judges’ authority.
“Labaran brought justice closer to the grassroots,” Malami noted. “He raised the bar for public service in Nasarawa and deserves this recognition.”
Meanwhile, Safiyanu Andaha, state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), described Magaji as an experienced administrator. He also commended Governor Sule for appointing someone known for people-centered leadership and national experience.
In closing, Magaji thanked everyone who attended despite their busy schedules. He promised to deliver on his mandate with diligence, honesty, and focus. As he begins this new role, he aims to contribute meaningfully to Nasarawa State’s development.
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