Governor Sule Backlash grows in Nasarawa as residents burn campaign posters and APC symbols in protest over his senatorial bid

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State faced a fresh wave of public opposition on Friday after residents of Kofan Kaura in Lafia Local Government Area set fire to his 2027 senatorial campaign posters, alongside flags and symbols of the All Progressives Congress.

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The dramatic protest unfolded in the community as visibly angry residents gathered to destroy campaign materials linked to the governor’s bid for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general election.

A video circulating online showed protesters burning APC flags and bunches of brooms, the party’s symbol, while expressing dissatisfaction with the political process.

Messages accompanying the footage included the slogans, “We reject rigging” and “We reject imposition”.

The incident highlights growing tensions surrounding Governor Sule’s political future following his decision to contest for the Senate after completing his second and final term as governor.

The development is particularly significant because Governor Sule had previously stated during a national television appearance that he would not seek another elective position after leaving office.

Despite that earlier position, the governor entered the race for the Nasarawa North senatorial seat and secured a decisive victory in the APC primary election.

Official results from the primary showed that Governor Sule polled 47,393 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Silas Agara, who received 2,915 votes.

Friday’s protest marks one of the most visible public reactions to the governor’s senatorial ambition since the conclusion of the party primary.

While no violence beyond the destruction of campaign materials was reported, the powerful images emerging from Kofan Kaura have drawn attention to divisions among some residents over the outcome of the APC selection process.

Neither Governor Sule nor the APC had issued an official response to the protest at the time of filing this report.

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Political observers say the episode underscores the challenges that can accompany candidate selection processes as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.