Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has defended the recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election by All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, dismissing criticism that it mocks Nigerians.
Speaking on Sunday Politics, Governor Sule emphasized that the endorsement reflects the governors’ confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, not a disregard for public sentiment.
“It is a conviction of the governors, it is a belief of the governors. There is no sign of a mockery in this,” Sule stated.
As reported, on Thursday, all 22 APC governors, members of the National Assembly under the party, the National Working Committee (NWC), and APC’s zonal leaders formally backed Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 election. Notably, President Tinubu has yet to officially declare his intent to seek re-election.
The move has drawn criticism from opposition parties and other stakeholders, who argue that the administration should prioritize governance over political maneuvering.
In response, Governor Sule noted that such endorsements are not unprecedented. He recalled that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), during its time in power, also endorsed then-President Goodluck Jonathan for re-election in 2014.
“At one point, the PDP had 31 governors in this country, and they did not play on the intelligence of Nigerians,” Sule said. “It is all part of the belief of the governors of the ruling party that the President has done well and has done much.”
He also rejected the notion that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, suggesting instead that such endorsements are part of the democratic process within party politics.