Abdullahi Sule, the governor of Nasarawa State, claimed on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu’s performance is the reason opposition parties are switching to the All Progressives Congress.
He argued that the new joiners were simply inspired by the administration’s direction and achievements.
“People who are happy with what they are seeing, they are the people who are returning to the party,” Sule told State House Correspondents after closed door talks with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
He also spoke to growing concerns over a gradual drift to a one-party state, saying the APC is only gaining momentum due to its performance.
“So, I think the party is doing well, and for that reason, the President is also doing well. And that is the reason why people are joining.
“It’s a reflection of the performance of our party and the performance of Mr. President. We’ve seen reforms in the unification of exchange rates, the removal of fuel subsidies, and now in the power sector.
“What is even more impressive is the focus on skill acquisition and agriculture. These are real reforms that matter to the people,” said Sule.
He denied allegations of a one-party state by the opposition, saying, “There is no way we can be a one-party state. No matter what happens, there are people who are going to be in another party.
“Actually, we don’t even want Nigeria to be a one-party state, we just want to be the dominant party.”
Sule linked the APC’s increasing appeal to Tinubu’s economic reforms
According to him, all political parties aspire to be dominant and win elections. However, this does not negate the presence or potential of other parties, he added.
Drawing parallels with the United States, Sule said several other minor parties still exist and participate in the democratic process, despite the Democratic and Republican parties dominating.
“We just want to be the party that wins 90 per cent of the votes. The other parties can have 10 per cent,” he quipped, adding “Every party wants to give back to society, and I think that is what our party is doing.”
Governor Sule updated journalists on the Lithium battery production in Nasarawa State.
He said his administration has commissioned a facility that can produce three million metric tons per annum and a larger facility is set for opening in two months.
“In fact, the next one is going to be three times the size of the first. And there are about three others in the pipeline before the end of the year”, he said.
Sule reasoned that the rapid development of the Lithium value chain is part of a broader trend of investment driven by Nasarawa’s peaceful environment and the state’s emergence as a hub for both mining and renewable energy.
“People didn’t even know why we have the highest number of mini grids in the country. It is because of the growing number of small-scale operations in agriculture and mining that require dedicated power solutions,” he explained.
Explaining the purpose of his visit, he said it is for the state and party-related matters.
“Mr. President is the leader of our party and of the country. As the Governor of Nasarawa, I came to discuss issues affecting my state and the party, especially within my region,” Sule disclosed.
