Mohammed Al-Makura, the nephew of former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura, has secured the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He emerged as the party's consensus candidate after fellow aspirant Hon. Isaac Ali Kigbu announced his withdrawal from the race. Al-Makura, a former House of Representatives member, is now the sole APC candidate for the constituency.
Withdrawal for Party Unity
According to a report by Daily Trust, Kigbu stated that he withdrew after consultations with party leadership, including Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule. Kigbu emphasized that the decision was driven by the need to preserve unity and cohesion within the APC.
During a press briefing in Lafia on Sunday, May 17, 2026, Kigbu said: "After extensive consultations with party leadership, and in particular with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, I have reached the considered decision to withdraw my candidacy from this contest."
He urged his supporters to back Al-Makura and to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Denial of Bribery Allegations
Kigbu dismissed allegations circulating on social media that he received ₦50 million to withdraw from the race. He described the claims as false.
"Let it be stated clearly I, Hon. Isaac Ali Kigbu, have not received the sum of ₦50 million, nor any form of inducement, from any individual or group in relation to this process. My withdrawal is an act of conviction and loyalty to the party, not of compromise," he said.
Context of APC Primaries
The APC recently concluded its House of Representatives primaries across Nigeria, which saw high turnout and largely peaceful exercises, though some protests and disputes were reported. Prominent figures such as Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa secured their tickets.
In related developments, Adamu Abubakar won the APC primary for Chanchaga with 30,650 votes, Alhaji Abdullahi Mahmud secured the Lapai ticket with 8,559 votes, and Professor Yakubu Auna emerged winner in Magama/Rijau.
Al-Makura's candidacy now positions him as the APC flagbearer for the Lafia/Obi constituency in the 2027 elections, pending any further challenges.
