By Abel Zwanke, Lafia

As Nasarawa State gradually approaches another defining electoral season in 2027, the political chessboard is already shifting. At the centre of the unfolding drama is Governor Abdullahi Sule, who will complete his second term in office by then and faces the critical task of ensuring a stable succession.

The question on the minds of party stakeholders, pundits, and ordinary citizens alike is simple: who should succeed him?

A recent commentary in many media outlets suggested that the governor should “look inward” when considering his successor—an argument that has since generated intense discussion within Nasarawa’s political and social circles.

But what does it mean to look inward, and why does it matter for the people of Nasarawa State?

For many observers, the case for an internal successor—someone already part of Governor Sule’s administration—is rooted in continuity. Nasarawa has made notable progress in the last five years, particularly in industrial development, infrastructural expansion, and education. A successor who has been part of this process would not only understand the governor’s vision but would also be in the best position to consolidate it.

Dr. Yakubu Umar, a political science lecturer at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, explained:“In a state like Nasarawa, which is still struggling with basic infrastructural and social deficits, discontinuity is costly. Governor Sule has laid down certain foundations, especially in industrialization and energy. Bringing in an outsider might lead to policy reversal. That is why an internal successor makes practical sense.”

Indeed, Sule’s administration has been praised for its emphasis on long-term economic planning, including leveraging Dangote’s investment in cement and developing the state’s solid mineral sector. Abandoning these plans midway could jeopardize their impact.

Beyond continuity, looking inward has implications for political stability within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Analysts argue that picking a successor from within Sule’s political family may reduce infighting and factionalism, which often destabilize Nigerian states during transitions.

Hon. Musa Ibrahim, a grassroots APC mobilizer from Awe Local Government, put it bluntly:“If His Excellency goes outside his team, there will be rebellion within the party. People want to see loyalty rewarded. It is the surest way to unite APC before 2027.”

This is not an idle concern. Nasarawa politics has long been characterized by sharp divides between various power blocs—sometimes along ethnic, religious, or zonal lines. A candidate too far removed from the governor’s inner circle could easily fracture the party and embolden opposition forces.

Another powerful argument is that internal candidates are already familiar with the state’s challenges and opportunities. Having served in government, they understand the dynamics of local governance and are less likely to be blindsided by bureaucratic hurdles.

Mrs. Hauwa Suleiman, a civil servant in Lafia, told this reporter:“We don’t need a stranger who will come and spend two years learning how things work. Someone who has been in government under Governor Sule will know the terrain and continue quickly.”

Her view resonates with many Nasarawa residents who worry about the disruptions that often follow the election of a governor with little prior administrative exposure.

For Governor Sule himself, the stakes are personal. Political legacies in Nigeria often rise or fall on the character and performance of a successor. An internal candidate, many argue, is more likely to protect and extend the governor’s achievements.

Comrade Usman Tanze, a youth leader from Wamba, observed:“Governor Sule has done well in opening up Nasarawa for business. But if he brings someone from outside, that person might abandon these projects for new agendas. His Excellency should think of his legacy.”

Political history supports this fear. Across Nigeria, many governors have seen their legacies erased by successors who chose different paths. Sule’s allies believe that choosing from within could prevent a similar fate.

However, while the argument for looking inward is compelling, it is not without its challenges. Politics is ultimately about winning elections, and not all internal candidates possess the charisma, grassroots appeal, or political capital to secure victory.

Dr. Ismailia Ahmed, a public affairs commentator, issued a caution:“Governance experience is one thing; electability is another. If the APC fields an internal candidate who cannot connect with the electorate, the opposition will capitalize on that. Governor Sule must weigh popularity alongside competence.”

Moreover, Nasarawa’s delicate zoning arrangement adds another layer of complexity. Power rotation among the state’s three senatorial zones has become a political expectation. Any candidate perceived to upset this balance could face resistance, even within the APC.

A youth activist from Karu, Mr. Gabriel Ilya, emphasized:“Nasarawa is diverse. The governor has to consider where the next leader should come from. If he insists only on his inner circle without balancing ethnic and zonal factors, it could create resentment.

On the streets of Lafia, Keffi, Akwanga, and other towns, ordinary citizens express mixed feelings. Some are firmly in support of the idea of continuity through an internal candidate, while others argue that competence should outweigh loyalty.

In Keana, farmer Bala Agada noted:“We don’t care if the next governor is from Sule’s cabinet or not. What we want is someone who can fix our roads and support agriculture. If looking inward will give us that, fine. If not, we will vote otherwise.”

Similarly, in Nasarawa Eggon, a teacher, Mrs. Helen Amoka, stated:“Continuity is good, but competence is better. Let them give us someone who understands education. Many of our schools are still without teachers and facilities.”

These voices underscore the reality that beyond party calculations, the electorate’s priorities remain grounded in service delivery.

The debate in Nasarawa is not happening in isolation. Across Nigeria, succession politics has become a central issue for governors in their second terms. Vice President Kashim Shettima recently alluded to the importance of “legacy protection” in governance, noting that “leaders must think of who takes over after them if they truly care about the people.”

Former CBN deputy governor, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, also weighed in during a national television interview:“Succession in Nigeria is often about patronage rather than performance. Governors should support successors who can consolidate on their policies, not just cronies. If Sule looks inward, it should be about competence, not just loyalty.”

Such national reflections give weight to the Nasarawa debate, highlighting its significance beyond the state’s borders.

As 2027 approaches, Governor Sule faces a dilemma. On one hand, looking inward promises stability, continuity, and legacy preservation. On the other, it risks narrowing the pool of candidates, potentially sidelining more electable figures or upsetting zoning balances.

The governor’s eventual choice will likely be influenced by a combination of factors: internal party negotiations, grassroots feedback, national political dynamics, and personal conviction. But one thing is clear—the decision will shape Nasarawa’s trajectory for years to come.

The call for Governor Abdullahi Sule to look inward is not just a political strategy—it is a vision for continuity, stability, and sustained development in Nasarawa State. Yet it is also fraught with risks that require careful navigation.

Ultimately, as Dr. Yakubu Umar succinctly put it:“The governor must balance loyalty with competence, zoning with electability, and continuity with innovation. Looking inward is wise, but it must be done with wisdom.”

For the people of Nasarawa, the 2027 election will not only be about who takes over from Sule, but about whether the state can sustain its current momentum and truly deliver on the promise of inclusive development.

And in that decision, Governor Sule’s legacy will either stand tall—or falter.

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