Senator Umaru Tanko Al’Makura, erstwhile governor of Nasarawa state and prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), like other concerned statesmen has added his voice to the ongoing debate about the state of the nation. Speaking with a cross-section of journalists, the APC chieftain ventilated his views on the polity, his vision for the party, his commitment to the ideas and ideals of good governance, etal. IBRAHIM APEKHADE YUSUF was there. Excerpts:
Indications are that you may be a possible consensus figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership realignment. How do you respond to this mounting interest?
I am deeply honoured by the expressions of confidence and goodwill that have been extended to me. The mere association of my name with the ongoing efforts towards party cohesion is something I do not take lightly. It is a reflection of the trust that colleagues and compatriots place in my commitment to the ideals upon which our party was founded. However, I must make it unequivocally clear that I am not, either formally or informally, engaged in any ambition concerning the national chairmanship of our party at this juncture. The recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting expressed its satisfaction with the trajectory of both the party and the administration. Therefore, any speculation to the contrary is precisely that—speculation.
I prefer not to participate in conjecture, particularly when the party’s official schedule does not warrant such discussions. That being said, I shall always remain open to speaking on matters affecting the party’s legacy, the governance of the nation, and the well-being of our people. Leadership, I believe, is not always about holding office; rather, it is often about moral authority and clarity—especially in times when the truth is at risk of being distorted.
As one of the founding fathers of the party, how would assess its present direction, and what remains urgently to be addressed?
The APC is not merely a political vehicle—it is, in many respects, a national covenant. When I speak of it, I do so with the utmost sense of solemn responsibility. The merger that gave birth to the APC was an unprecedented act, not simply a coalition of convenience but a deliberate and strategic amalgamation of diverse traditions, united by a shared belief in Nigeria’s potential.
Historically, our political landscape was marked by alliances that were frequently confined to regional or ethnic lines. However, the union of the CPC, ACN, ANPP, and sections of APGA represented a bold embrace of national unity—a commitment to building a political entity not bound by geographic or cultural divisions, but one that embodied the collective will to reposition Nigeria on the world stage.
Our mandate, then and now, remains both simple and profound: to forge a political movement capable of representing the interests of every Nigerian, regardless of their background or place of origin. Nonetheless, there remain vital areas that require our attention. We must return to the fundamental principles of inclusion, internal democracy, and transparency. The party must be re-energised to ensure that it remains responsive to the needs of the people and upholds the founding creed of national unity.
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There are insinuations that APC may be suffering from a quiet leadership vacuum of some sorts. What, in your view, is wrong?
We stand at a critical crossroads—not merely for the party, but for our democratic project as a whole. It is incumbent upon us to approach this moment with both honesty and fairness. History demands nothing less. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is no stranger to the struggles and sacrifices that have defined our democracy. His role during the June 12 crisis remains a testament to his courage and resolve. At a time when many chose silence, he paid the price for the cause of democracy. He has been, and remains, a stalwart of the democratic ideals we all cherish.
Furthermore, his instrumental role in the formation of the APC cannot be overstated, including General Muhammadu Buhari and myself, without sounding immodest amongst other visionary leaders. President Tinubu played a pivotal part in fostering the merger that brought us to this point. His leadership during the early years of the party’s existence was nothing short of remarkable. Thus, it is troubling when barely two years into his administration, questions of fairness and regional balance begin to be raised. Leadership at the national level requires the necessary time and space to grow and bear fruit. We must allow the President’s government the opportunity to realise its full potential.
To those who may feel aggrieved or marginalised, I say this: democracy guarantees the right to express one’s views, but we must also remember how we arrived at this moment. Let us not lose sight of the unity that formed the foundation of our journey. It is not too late for reconciliation, but that requires mutual respect and the recognition of our shared destiny.
As the current chairman’s tenure draws to a close, what kind of leadership should the APC now seek?
It is not my place to prescribe the qualities of our next chairman, particularly given my own history of aspiration to that office. To do so would not only be presumptuous but would also undermine the dignity of the office itself. However, I would say this: the next leader of our party must be a steward of its soul—someone who understands the moral fabric of the APC and the ideals upon which it was built.
This individual must possess the vision to unite, the wisdom to heal, and the integrity to build upon the foundation we have laid. Leadership must transcend political calculations; it must be about cohesion, reconciliation, and forward-looking progress.
Our party’s future hinges not on divisiveness but on the strength that comes from embracing the diversity of thought, background, and aspiration that defines us as Nigerians.
There are rumours of consultations regarding the chairmanship. Have you been approached, formally or otherwise?
I must be forthright: I have not received any formal or informal overtures regarding the chairmanship. My contributions to this administration are grounded in my commitment to the ideals of the APC—not in pursuit of office or personal gain. I am honoured to work alongside other respected figures—such as Governor Aminu Masari, Minister Adamu Adamu, Chief Obla, Osita Okechukwu, Hon Datti (NVC) , Ife Oyedele, Almajiri Gaidam, Senator Abu Ibrahim, and Architect Bulama—who share this vision. Together, we stand firm in our defence of the party’s founding principles. Many of us have not held office in years, yet we remain dedicated to the cause.
Our appeal is not based on ambition but on reverence for the institution of the APC. We believe this administration deserves the space to deliver on its mandate, and where criticism is warranted, it must always be constructive and rooted in a desire to unite, not divide.
Critics argue that President Tinubu’s administration has yet to deliver relief to struggling Nigerians. How do you respond?
It is essential that we approach these critiques with a sense of empathy and understanding. We must acknowledge that many of the challenges confronting the nation today did not begin with this administration. The road to economic recovery is long and fraught with obstacles, but it is not one that can be bypassed through superficial measures.
Take, for instance, the issue of the fuel subsidy. President Tinubu was forthright from the outset: the budget did not include provisions for subsidies beyond May 2023. This was an uncomfortable truth, but one that had to be faced. Good governance, after all, is not about offering false promises—it is about confronting difficult realities with honesty and integrity.
While immediate relief may not always be forthcoming, the long-term benefits of these policies will, in time, be felt by all Nigerians. Patience, accompanied by constructive dialogue, is essential to navigating these challenges.
If the APC is to thrive ahead of 2027, what should be the incoming leadership’s top priorities?
The foremost priority must be a return to our founding principles: inclusion, equity, and fidelity to the democratic process. We must work to heal any internal rifts, ensure fairness in party primaries, and remain steadfast in our commitment to the pact that brought our diverse coalition together. Our next leader must understand that the APC must remain a home for all Nigerians—across the South, North, East, and West. It is through inclusivity and fairness that we will rebuild the trust of our citizens and ensure that we are a credible force in the 2027 election.
We must also enhance our internal communication and outreach, particularly in light of the digital age and the proliferation of misinformation. The party must speak with one voice, articulate its successes and challenges, and correct misrepresentations where they arise.
What message should northern leaders be sending at this time?
The North, like all regions of Nigeria, has a critical responsibility to our nation’s future. The message from northern leaders must be one of stability, responsibility, and foresight. At no time should we allow ourselves to be consumed by divisive rhetoric. Northern leadership must not only represent regional interests but also national interests. Nigeria is a single, indivisible entity, and it is our duty to ensure its unity. The North must be a steward of peace and harmony, contributing to a national vision that transcends local or sectional concerns.
If you could speak directly to APC stakeholders, President Tinubu, and Nigerians—what would you say?
To my fellow APC stakeholders, I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment to the party’s ideals. The road ahead will require discipline, patience, and a renewed commitment to unity. To President Tinubu, I offer my sincerest encouragement: history has once again called upon you. Lead with wisdom, govern with empathy, and stay true to the values that brought you to this position of responsibility. Your journey is one of immense national importance, and you do not walk it alone.
To the Nigerian people, I ask for your continued faith—not blind, but principled faith—in our nation’s potential. We will rise above our challenges, but only through collective resolve and a shared vision for a prosperous, united future.
