Backdoor Politics? Al-Makura Takes Swipe at Sule Over Wadada Endorsement
By Shehu Abdul Azeez
Former governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura raises a fundamentally important democratic concern in his response to Governor Abdullahi Sule’s early endorsement of Ahmed Wadada. At its core, Al-Makura’s position is not merely about timing—it is about protecting institutional integrity, internal party democracy and the legitimacy of the eventual governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
Al-Makura is justified in describing the endorsement as premature. Political parties operate on structured processes designed to ensure fairness: declaration of interest, purchase of nomination forms, screening, primaries and eventual emergence of a candidate. By attempting to elevate Wadada ahead of these stages—and even presenting him to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—Governor Sule risks undermining the very procedures that give democratic contests their credibility.
When outcomes appear predetermined, participation becomes symbolic rather than meaningful, and this erodes trust among aspirants and party members.
The warning sounded by Al-Makura against “backdoor politics” is, especially, significant. In many political systems, informal endorsements by powerful incumbents often translate into undue influence over party structures, delegates and even electoral officials within the party. Such moves create an uneven playing field. Even if unintentionally, Sule’s endorsement sends a signal to stakeholders that Wadada is the “anointed” candidate, which could discourage other aspirants or pressure them into stepping down. This is precisely the kind of distortion that democratic procedures are meant to prevent.
Al-Makura’s insistence that “it is a little too early” reflects a deeper strategic and ethical logic. Elections are not events, they are processes. Rushing to present a preferred candidate before primaries suggests an attempt to bypass competitive scrutiny. It raises the question: what is the urgency? No official party timetable has reached the stage of candidate selection.
Therefore, Sule’s action appears less about party cohesion and more about consolidating influence over succession politics in Nasarawa State.
One plausible explanation for Sule’s haste lies in the dynamics of incumbency power. Sitting governors often seek to shape succession in order to preserve their political legacy, maintain influence after leaving office and ensure continuity of their policy agenda. By endorsing Wadada early and associating him with President Tinubu, Sule may be attempting to build a bandwagon effect—creating the perception that Wadada already enjoys both state and federal backing.
This perception can be politically powerful, but it is also democratically problematic.
Such a move can place democracy in a perilous situation in several ways.
First, it weakens internal party democracy. When party members believe that the outcome of primaries is predetermined, participation declines, grievances increase pand factions emerge. This often leads to defections, litigation, or anti-party activities—all of which can weaken the party ahead of the general election.
Second, it risks producing a less competitive candidate. Primaries serve as a testing ground where aspirants are scrutinised, debated and evaluated. If one candidate is shielded from this process through early “backdoor endorsement,” the party may miss the opportunity to identify a stronger contender.
In a competitive political environment, especially in a state with multiple aspirants, bypassing this vetting process could result in electoral defeat in 2027.
Third, untimely “backdoor endorsement” undermines public confidence. Voters are increasingly sensitive to signs of imposition and elite manipulation. If the electorate perceives that the candidate emerged through favouritism rather than merit, it can reduce voter enthusiasm and turnout, or even push voters toward opposition parties.
Al-Makura’s position, therefore, is not only principled but strategically sound. By advocating for a “free, fair and credible” primary election, he is safeguarding both the legitimacy of the process and the electoral viability of the party. His stance recognises that inclusivity strengthens outcomes.
When all aspirants—whether it is Wadada, former Inspector-General Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, or others—are given equal opportunity, the eventual winner carries broader acceptance and stronger political capital.
Moreover, Al-Makura’s emphasis on due process aligns with the broader democratic ideals often associated with President Tinubu’s political philosophy. By invoking fairness, justice and equal opportunity, he subtly reinforces that true loyalty to party leadership is demonstrated not through premature endorsements but through adherence to rules.
Supporting Al-Makura’s position also helps prevent long-term instability. Political imposition has historically led to post-primary crises in many states—parallel party structures, court cases and weakened campaign machinery. Allowing a transparent contest reduces these risks and fosters unity after the primaries, as all participants are more likely to accept the outcome.
In contrast, Sule’s approach, though within his rights as an individual to support a candidate, becomes problematic when exercised in a way that appears to preempt institutional processes. His acknowledgment by Al-Makura that he has “just one vote like every other person” is a subtle but powerful reminder: democracy does not grant incumbents extra constitutional authority in candidate selection.
Ultimately, the argument made by Al-Makura is an argument for process over preference, rules over influence and competition over coronation.
If Nasarawa State is to produce a candidate capable of winning in 2027 and governing effectively, that candidate must emerge from a credible contest that tests ideas, leadership capacity, and public appeal.
By insisting that no one should “jump the gun,” Al-Makura is not obstructing political ambition—he is protecting its legitimacy.
His position ensures that the party does not sacrifice long-term strength for short-term convenience. In a democratic system, the best candidate is not the one chosen early by a powerful figure, but the one chosen collectively through a process that commands respect, participation and trust.