LAFIA — Retired General Nuhu Angbazo has emerged victorious from the Africa Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship primaries in Nasarawa State, calling on all party faithful to sheathe their swords and rally behind a common vision for the state’s development.
In a press statement issued shortly after his victory was declared, the retired military officer struck a conciliatory tone, urging his former opponents and their supporters to embrace reconciliation ahead of the general election battle.
“This is not the time to celebrate triumph over one another. This is the time to rebuild. This is the time to reconcile,” Angbazo said, setting the tone for what he described as a new chapter for both the party and Nasarawa State.
The retired general was effusive in his praise for the three men who contested the ticket against him, singling out each by name in what political observers have described as a calculated olive branch to avoid post-primary defections — a plague that has historically haunted Nigerian opposition parties after bruising internal contests.
Distinguished Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, widely regarded as one of the most formidable contenders in the race, received particular commendation. Angbazo described him as “a chip off the old block, a dogged fighter, and a man of remarkable political strength and resilience,” acknowledging his contributions to democratic development in the state.
Barrister Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi, another strong contestant, was hailed as “a strategic leader with a great understanding of the political dynamics of Nasarawa State,” while a third aspirant, Osana Odonye, was praised for demonstrating “great capacity to deliver results even with constraints.”
Speaking on the road ahead, Angbazo promised to personally reach out to his rivals once the primary processes are formally concluded, with a view to beginning what he called “the important task of healing, reconciliation, and rebuilding our party and our state.”
“There is no victor and there is no vanquished. We all remain brothers united by a common desire to see Nasarawa State move forward,” he declared.
The retired general also sounded a warning against divisive forces, urging party members and citizens alike to resist attempts to fracture the state along ethnic, religious, or sectional fault lines, a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape.
“Our strength has always been in our unity. The future we seek can only be achieved when we stand together as one people with one destiny,” he said.
Angbazo’s emergence sets the stage for what is expected to be a keenly contested governorship race in Nasarawa State, with the ADC now under pressure to present a united front after what insiders described as a highly competitive primary process.
Political watchers in the state will be watching closely to see whether the general’s words of reconciliation translate into concrete action — particularly whether the other aspirants and their substantial support bases will be fully brought into the fold before the general election.
The statement was signed by Gen. Nuhu Angbazo (Rtd).
