In a recent address, Abdullahi Sule, the Governor of Nasarawa State, attributed the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeat in the August 2026 Osun governorship election to interference from politicians based in Abuja. Speaking in Lafia during a ceremony where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented acknowledgment slips to APC candidates, Sule emphasized that the party's loss could have been avoided without such external meddling.

Sule stated, "APC lost partly because of the Abuja politicians, you know, because if not for some of these Abuja politicians, there was no way for APC to lose in Osun." His comments reflect a growing concern within the party about the influence of national-level politicians on local electoral outcomes.

The governor further elaborated on the implications of the Osun election results, suggesting that they serve as a reminder of the considerable power that a sitting governor holds over electoral processes within their state. "What it means is that the power of a sitting governor is not something you can joke around with. That's the message that was sent, actually, in Osun," he remarked.

Sule also directed his criticism towards those celebrating the APC's defeat, asserting that they failed to comprehend the significance of the electoral outcome. He noted, "For people who are celebrating, they don't even understand what the hell they are celebrating. What they are celebrating is that the power of a sitting governor in Osun is what has stopped them from winning."

In his address to the APC candidates, Sule urged them to conduct their campaigns with integrity and loyalty to the party. He cautioned against the temptation to support candidates from rival parties, stating, "When you are campaigning, campaign for APC. Don't go with the drama that maybe I can actually campaign for myself and campaign for another candidate of another party."

The governor also highlighted the importance of ensuring that candidates' details are accurately reflected on ballot papers, advising them to promptly contact INEC to rectify any discrepancies in their names on the acknowledgment slips.

The event was attended by representatives from all 24 state constituencies, with Deputy Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Mohammed Oyanki, confirming their presence. He mentioned that members from the Nasarawa Northern Zone had a special assignment to support Sule's anticipated senatorial campaign following his gubernatorial tenure.

As the APC prepares for the upcoming 2027 elections, Sule's remarks underscore the challenges the party faces in maintaining unity and focus amid external pressures and internal dissent.