2027 Race: Gov Sule’s Longtime Ally Atiku Abdulrahman Exits APC, Emerges Accord Party Candidate in Keffi West
By Yahaya Idris, Lafia
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State has recorded another defection following the resignation of Hon. Yakubu Atiku Abdulrahman, an aspirant for the Keffi West Constituency seat in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, who recently participated in the party’s primary election.
Abdulrahman, a prominent political figure from Keffi Local Government Area and a former aide to Governor Abdullahi Sule, announced his decision to quit the ruling party, citing the need to pursue his political ambition on a platform he believes offers a fairer opportunity to actualize his aspirations and those of his supporters.
His departure is being viewed by political party’s chiefatins as another setback for the APC in Keffi Local Government Area, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify across the state.
Sources close to the former APC chieftain disclosed that Abdulrahman contested in the party’s recently concluded primary election for the Keffi West Constituency ticket but lost to the incumbent lawmaker.
He reportedly described the primary process as heavily manipulated in favour of a preferred aspirant, a development that influenced his decision to leave the party.
Following his resignation, Abdulrahman has officially joined the Accord Party and has obtained both the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms.
He has also been presented with a certificate of return, formally validating his candidacy for the 2027 election to represent Keffi West Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.
Associates of the politician said his decision to align with the Accord Party is driven by his determination to sustain his grassroots political movement and provide what he describes as effective representation for the people of Keffi West.
Speaking on his decision, Abdulrahman reportedly stated that he has no regrets leaving the APC, noting that he had remained loyal to Governor Abdullahi Sule for over eight years, including the period before Sule’s election as governor.
According to him, his political journey and commitment to public service remain intact, adding that his move is aimed at ensuring that the aspirations of his supporters are not frustrated by internal party dynamics.
The latest defection adds to the growing wave of political realignments currently reshaping Nasarawa State’s political landscape, with parties expected to intensify consultations, recruitment, and grassroots mobilization as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Political analysts believe that the movement of key political actors across party lines could significantly influence electoral calculations in several constituencies and local government areas across the state in the months ahead.
