Al-Makura Backs APC Chairman, Urges Unity, Discipline In Party Affairs

Former Governor of Nasarawa State and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has pledged his “total and unflinching” support for the newly appointed National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

In a personally signed open letter addressed to the new party helmsman, Al-Makura congratulated the Chairman on his emergence, describing it as a reflection of the party’s collective will.

The senator, who played a pivotal role in the 2013 merger that birthed the APC, said the change in leadership presents an opportunity to return the party to its founding principles of discipline, inclusivity, and nation-first politics.

“This is not just a routine transition. It is a reaffirmation of the values upon which our party was built,” he stated.

Amid recent internal realignments within the party, Al-Makura hailed the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint the new Chairman as a sign of institutional maturity and internal democracy.

“Let there be no ambiguity: I support the decision of the President and the NEC. The party has spoken. As progressives and democrats, we must move forward in unity,” he declared.

He reiterated that peace and cohesion must take precedence over individual ambition or sectional interests, noting that he remains committed to supporting the party in any capacity that promotes national progress and political stability.

“My commitment remains rooted not in personal ambition, but in strengthening the foundations of the party and deepening democratic governance across Nigeria,” he said.

Political observers say Al-Makura’s public endorsement may serve as a calming influence amid growing speculation about factional interests within the party.

In his letter, he urged other party leaders and stakeholders to embrace consensus, dialogue, and maturity in the party’s ongoing internal adjustments.

“The APC is more than a party. It is a symbol of democratic perseverance and national hope. We must protect it with discipline, patience, and vision,” he wrote.

Al-Makura also cautioned that the task ahead for the party is complex, given the socio-political challenges facing the country. He urged the new Chairman to demonstrate not only administrative capacity but also moral clarity.

“Our citizens are demanding sincerity, consistency, and empathy. We must lead with a clear sense of responsibility and a firm moral compass,” he said.

He advised the party’s new leadership to promote reconciliation and inclusivity, emphasising that the politics of healing and patience must be prioritised in the coming months.

“You have my full support in fostering a leadership style that listens, reconciles, and inspires. A style that honours both experience and innovation,” he noted.

Al-Makura offered himself as a bridge between generations and regions within the party, pledging to work with the new leadership to advance the APC’s founding mission and to mentor younger party members.

“I was part of the early days when dialogue and consensus overcame deep divisions. Today, I offer myself again — not for power, but for unity,” he said.

He also called on the new leadership to reconnect the party to its grassroots base and to make every member feel a sense of belonging.

“The young must feel heard. The old must feel respected. And those who feel sidelined must be reassured that the APC remains their home,” he said.

Describing himself “not as a rival but as a resource,” the former governor pledged to offer his experience and network for consultation, mediation, and support wherever needed.

He warned that the APC must set an example of inclusion and tolerance, stressing that how the party manages its internal affairs will reflect on its ability to govern the nation effectively.

“At a time when Nigeria’s national fabric is under strain from economic pressures and regional anxieties, the APC must become a symbol of cohesion, not conflict,” he said.

Quoting former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, Al-Makura emphasised the importance of unity and collective national identity: “We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skin, but we all belong to one human race.”

He urged the APC to embody the values it espouses, warning that electoral victory alone is not enough.

“We must model the democratic ideals we preach. We are stewards of a vision entrusted to us by the Nigerian people, and we must lead with discipline and humility,” he said.

The former senator concluded by offering prayers for the success of the new Chairman and expressing optimism that the current leadership will inspire confidence, foster reconciliation, and secure long-term political success.

“May your leadership win not only elections, but the hearts and hopes of Nigerians across all divides,” he wrote.

The letter, now widely circulated among party leaders and political observers, is seen as a significant show of support from one of the APC’s respected founding figures.

As the ruling party navigates a new phase in its internal evolution, voices like Al-Makura’s — steady, experienced, and unifying — may play a key role in tempering tensions and guiding the APC through the challenges ahead.