THE MAGNIFICENT
JOURNEY AND LEGACY TIMES OF SENATOR AL-MAKURA IN POLITICS:

Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura is a significant political figure in Nigeria, especially within the All Progressives Congress (APC). His political journey is marked by a mix of challenges, achievements, and influence, particularly in Nasarawa State and on the national stage.

Al-Makura began his political career in the early 1980s. He was a member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) during the Second Republic. Afterward, he joined the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) during the short-lived Third Republic, where he also held leadership positions.

• Al-Makura’s Rise to Prominence
His major breakthrough came in 2011 when he ran for the governorship of Nasarawa State under the platform of the then-opposition party, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a party founded by Muhammadu Buhari. His victory over the incumbent governor from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was seen as a political upset, as the PDP was the dominant party in the state at the time.

•As Executive Governor of Nasarawa State (2011–2019)

Al-Makura’s tenure as governor of Nasarawa State lasted from 2011 to 2019. His leadership is often characterized by several major reforms, including;

1. Al-Makura’s Intentional approach to Infrastructure Development: His administration is known for initiating infrastructure projects such as road construction, schools, hospitals, and housing schemes.

2. Al-Makura’s deliberate approach to Educational Reforms: His government introduced significant changes to the educational sector, focusing on improving the quality of education and enhancing the infrastructure of public schools in the state.

3. Al-Makura’s approach to handling ethinic crises: One of the challenges during his administration was the handling of ethnic and communal conflicts in Nasarawa State. Although, there were criticisms of his administration’s handling of these crises, he worked to promote peace and unity.

4. Al-Makura’s Urban Renewal approach: He embarked on an ambitious urban renewal project in Lafia, the state capital, and other towns across the state.

Contributorily, In 2013, Al-Makura was instrumental in the merger of the CPC with other political parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), which eventually became the ruling party in Nigeria. His political alliances and loyalty to Muhammadu Buhari helped solidify his standing within the APC.

After serving two terms as governor, Al-Makura was elected as a Senator representing Nasarawa South in the National Assembly in 2019. He continued to play a key role in the APC, contributing to policy discussions and helping shape the party’s direction.

Consequently, In 2022, Al-Makura was considered one of the contenders for the chairmanship of the APC. His tenure as governor and his influence within the party made him a strong candidate, though the position ultimately went to another contender. His trail in politics has been marked by resilience, ambition, and consistent efforts to influence the political landscape both at the state and national levels.

Notably, Al-Makura’s legacy in Nasarawa State politics remains influential. His tenure as governor is often remembered for his infrastructure drive and his efforts to foster development in a state that had lagged behind in several key areas. However, his handling of ethnic tensions and crises has remained a point of contention in evaluating his overall impact.

To end this, it is equally important to mention that Al-Makura’s political career reflects a combination of strategic influence, leadership challenges, and notable achievements, particularly in Nasarawa State and within the APC. His name remains significant in Nigeria’s political discourse, especially among those who have followed his journey from the early days of the CPC to his role in the Nigerian Senate.

*Garkuwan Giza*