LAFIA, Nigeria (AP) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has downplayed the defection of former Inspector-General of Police Abubakar Adamu to the Social Democratic Congress, insisting it will not affect the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
APC State Chairman Aliyu Bello made the remarks Tuesday during a rally in Lafia’s Gayam Electoral Ward, where thousands of supporters gathered with party banners, posters and brooms the party’s symbol. Bello urged members loyal to Adamu to accept the outcome of the recent governorship primaries, in which Adamu lost to Senator Ahmed Wadada, the preferred candidate of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Bello criticized some of Adamu’s supporters for burning brooms in protest, saying such acts would not diminish the party’s grassroots strength. “Brooms can be burnt, but the achievements and impacts of our party in the state and the ideology behind the broom cannot be burnt,” he said. He pointed to infrastructure projects, youth empowerment programs and federal government support under President Bola Tinubu as evidence of APC’s continued relevance.
The rally also featured speeches from local party leaders. Lafia Deputy Chairman Uba Arikya said politics should be about governance and improving lives, not insults or divisive rallies. APC chieftain Sidi Ndagi urged voters to support all party candidates in 2027, praising Governor Sule’s development record.
Adamu’s defection comes after his failed bid for the APC governorship ticket, highlighting internal tensions within the ruling party. However, APC leaders in Nasarawa insist the party remains united and strong ahead of the next election cycle.
Nigeria’s political landscape is closely watched internationally, as defections and party realignments often shape electoral outcomes in Africa’s largest democracy. Analysts say the APC’s ability to manage internal disputes will be critical as the country heads toward the 2027 polls.
