APC Opts for Consensus Approach Ahead of Nasarawa Congresses

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has agreed to adopt a consensus-based system for selecting party officials ahead of its forthcoming congresses. The decision means that party leaders across the state will attempt to reach mutual agreement on candidates rather than conducting competitive elections at the ward, local government, state, and national levels.

This resolution emerged from an expanded meeting of the party’s State Executive Council held at the Government House in Lafia. The gathering brought together top party leaders and stakeholders to deliberate on the strategy that would guide the congress process.

Expanded Participation in Decision-Making

One of the early developments at the meeting was a proposal that broadened participation in discussions. The motion, introduced by the party’s Legal Adviser and supported by Governor Abdullahi Sule, allowed individuals who are not members of the State Executive Council to participate in deliberations.

By opening the meeting to a wider group of stakeholders, party leaders aimed to create a more inclusive platform for discussion. The move was widely interpreted as an effort to ensure that decisions about the congresses would reflect the views of a broader section of the party.

Motion for Consensus Selection

After the meeting was expanded to include additional participants, attention shifted to the method for selecting party officials during the upcoming congresses.

Hon. Hassan Abubakar Nalaraba, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency, presented a motion recommending the adoption of a consensus approach. He argued that consensus would be the most suitable option provided it is reached through open dialogue and voluntary agreement among party stakeholders.

According to Nalaraba, the method could help maintain unity within the party if implemented transparently.

Formal Endorsement of the Proposal

The proposal gained further support when it was seconded by Prof. Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana (SAN), who serves as the Deputy National Secretary of the APC.

The meeting was presided over by Senator Abdullahi Adamu, a former governor of Nasarawa State and past National Chairman of the APC. After hearing contributions from participants, Adamu put the motion to a voice vote.

Members present at the meeting unanimously endorsed the proposal, officially adopting consensus as the preferred method for selecting party officials during the upcoming congresses.

Reasons Behind the Decision

Speaking during the meeting, the state chairman of the APC, Dr. Aliyu Bello, explained that the gathering had been convened primarily to brief party stakeholders on recent developments within the party.

He noted that the party has been experiencing increased political momentum in Nasarawa State, partly due to new members joining its ranks. According to him, adopting a consensus framework could strengthen unity and reduce unnecessary rivalry among party members.

Governor Sule’s Support for Consensus

Governor Abdullahi Sule welcomed the decision and described it as a step that could minimize internal disputes within the party. In his remarks, he suggested that reaching agreements through dialogue would help maintain harmony as the party prepares for the congresses.

He observed that consensus arrangements could significantly reduce the likelihood of conflicts that sometimes accompany internal party elections.

Emphasis on Zoning Principles

The governor also reiterated his support for the zoning principle, which he said has been instrumental in promoting fairness and balance in Nasarawa politics.

According to Sule, zoning played a key role in shaping the political arrangements that led to his emergence as governor and has continued to contribute to stability in the state’s political environment.

Government Achievements Highlighted

While addressing stakeholders, the governor used the opportunity to reflect briefly on the performance of his administration.

He noted that 2025 had been a particularly productive year for the state in terms of available resources and development opportunities, describing it as one of the most resource-abundant periods in Nasarawa’s history.

Key Political Figures at the Meeting

The expanded gathering brought together several influential figures within the APC. Among those present were:

Former APC National Chairman and former Nasarawa governor Senator Abdullahi Adamu
Former Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi
Members of both the National Assembly and the Nasarawa State House of Assembly
Current and former government officials
Various party stakeholders from across the state

Their presence reflected the significance of the decisions being made ahead of the party’s congresses.

Commentary and Political Analysis

The decision by the Nasarawa APC to adopt a consensus approach reflects a common strategy used by political parties in Nigeria to manage internal competition. While competitive elections within parties can strengthen democratic practice, they can also lead to disputes that weaken party unity.

Consensus arrangements are often used to prevent prolonged conflicts among party members, especially in politically sensitive periods such as party congresses or primaries.

However, political analysts note that consensus processes must remain transparent and inclusive to maintain credibility. If stakeholders feel excluded from decision-making, consensus arrangements can sometimes create new tensions rather than resolve them.

In Nasarawa’s case, the expanded meeting that allowed broader participation may help strengthen the legitimacy of the decision. Whether the approach ultimately delivers unity will depend on how fairly the consensus agreements are negotiated at each level of the party’s structure.