Sule’s ‘Zero Votes’ Comment Sparks Debate Over Nasarawa APC Senatorial Primaries

Governor Abdullahi Sule has stirred fresh political debate within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State following his remarks on the outcome of the Nasarawa North Senatorial primaries, where he stated that his opponent, Silas Agara, the immediate past deputy governor, recorded zero votes in Gudi because the community is his ancestral home.

Governor Sule made the comment while reacting to controversies trailing the APC senatorial primaries that produced him as the party’s candidate for the 2027 National Assembly election in the Nasarawa North Senatorial District.

The governor emerged victorious in the May 18 primary election after polling 47,393 votes to defeat Agara, who secured 2,915 votes, according to results announced by the party’s returning officer.

Responding to complaints raised by supporters of Agara over alleged irregularities during the exercise, Sule dismissed claims that the primary was manipulated in his favour, insisting that the outcome reflected the political realities across the district.

According to the governor, the zero votes recorded by Agara in Gudi Ward should not be viewed as unusual because Gudi is his hometown and political base.

“My opponent, Silas Agara, got zero votes in Gudi because it is my village,” Sule reportedly stated while defending the credibility of the exercise.

The governor’s remarks have since generated reactions among party members and stakeholders across political parties in Nasarawa State, especially as some APC stakeholders loyal to Agara continue to challenge the conduct and outcome of the primary election.

A women’s support group aligned with Agara had earlier alleged that the exercise was marred by irregularities and called for its cancellation, claiming that voting did not take place in parts of Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba Local Government Areas.

The group also questioned how Agara allegedly recorded zero votes in certain polling units despite maintaining political structures and supporters across the senatorial district.

However, supporters of Governor Sule have maintained that the primary election was peaceful, transparent and in line with APC guidelines, arguing that the outcome reflected the governor’s widespread popularity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Pundits believe the controversy may signal growing tensions within the ruling APC in Nasarawa North, particularly given the political influence of both Sule and Agara in the zone.

Agara, a former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State under the administration of former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has remained a notable political figure in Nasarawa North over the years.

Despite the controversy surrounding the exercise, the APC leadership in the state has yet to indicate any plan to conduct a fresh primary election.

The Nasarawa North Senatorial District, regarded as one of the most politically strategic zones in the state, comprises Akwanga, Wamba and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas.