CHAPTER EIGHT.

IF SENATOR AL-MAKURA EMERGES AS NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF APC HE WILL BRING DIGNITY AND RESPECT TO THE PARTY:

Look at his credible achievements.
He was elected Governor on 26 April 2011, running on the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) ticket. He was re-elected for a second term on April 11, 2015.

In the just concluded general elections, he ran for the Senate and won to represent his district, Nasarawa South on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.

• BACKGROUND
Al-Makura was born around 1952 in
Lafia, Nasarawa State as is a member of the Gwandara ethnic Group. He attended Dunama Primary School, Lafia (1959–1966), Keffi Teacher’s College (1967–1971) and then Government Teachers College of Education, Uyo (1972–75).

For a short period in 1975 he was an Assistant Producer at the Broadcasting Corporation of Northern Nigeria. He then went to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1975–1978), graduating with a Bachelor of Education Degree. For his National Youth Service he was a teacher at the Government College, Makurdi.

In 1978 he formed Al-Makura Nigeria Limited, importing and servicing agricultural and industrial machinery. Later he ventured into real estate and property development as owner and chairman of Ta’al Nigeria Limited, with properties in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and
Washington DC, United States. He owns the Ta’al Lake Resort, Abuja and the Ta’al Conference Hotel, Lafia.

• POLITICAL CAREER
In 1980, Al-Makura became the youth leader of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the old Plateau State. He was elected to the constitution Assembly of 1988–89, representing the Lafia–Obi Federal Constituency of what is now Nasarawa State. He was state secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) party in Plateau State from 1990 to 1992.

Al-Makura was a founding member of the
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State in 1998. Al-Makura defected from the PDP after losing the primary elections for the Nasarawa Governor competition. Al-Makura was elected Governor of Nasarawa State, Nigeria on 26 April 2011, running on the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) ticket. He defeated the incumbent governor, Aliyu Akwe Doma of the PDP who is now late.

• IMPEACHMENT STRUGGLE
On 14 July 2014 the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly gave a notice of impeachment to the Clerk of the House to serve on Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. The Clerk was told to serve the notice on Al-Makura either directly or through the media. The document contained allegations of gross misconduct and was signed by twenty of the twenty four Assembly members.

The impeachment was supported by the twenty Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members but opposed by the four All Progressive Congress (APC) members. On 17 July the House of Assembly decided that the impeachment notice would be served via the media, since the governor had been evading personal service.

On 20 July 2014 it was reported that the Nasarawa traditional rulers had called on both sides to refrain from holding rallies for or against the impeachment so as to avoid violence. On 23 July four members of the Assembly tried to seize the speaker’s mace to delay a motion to ask the Chief Judge of the state to set up a seven-person panel to review the allegations of gross misconduct. The members of the House met twenty minutes later and passed the motion by twenty votes against four.

Prominent among those seeking to occupy the position of the national chairman of the APC, is none other than Senator Umar Tanko Al-makura, two-term governor of Nasarawa State and lawmaker who represented Nasarawa South at the upper chamber of the national assembly.

Al-Makura
There is no better time for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to consolidate its grip on power than now when the country inches toward election year comes 2027.

Following anticipated internal wranglings resulting from the recent congresses of the party at the ward, local government, state and national level, with aggrieved members of the party smarting from their experiences during the exercises, there is need for caution especially that the opposition is regrouping and scheming to give the APC a run for its money ahead of the coming general election.

Indeed, with various agitations within and outside the party, it remains obvious that the APC must put it acts in order, pacify aggrieved members, in order to forge a common front leading to victory.

So far, with persisting disagreements in Kano, Zamfara and others, the National Reconciliation Committee chaired by first civilian governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, may have failed in its assignment, necessitating the request for more time in order to genuinely reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

There is the need therefore to bring onboard a more efficient and effective national working committee of the party, that will work hard to truly reconcile members of the APC across the country.

Prominent among those seeking to occupy the position of the national chairman of the APC, is none other than Senator Umar Tanko Al-makura, two-term governor of Nasarawa State and lawmaker who represented Nasarawa South at the upper chamber of the national assembly.

A thoroughbred politician, with manifest experience in party administration, governance and legislative procedures, Senator Al-makura, presents the right mix of accomplished leadership qualities, that will not only add value to the APC but will facilitate, sustain and build on the successes recorded by the party so far.

Senator Al-makura at various times was the state youth leader of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), state secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC), as well as a member of the constituent assembly.

During his eight-year reign as governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Al-makura exhibited uncommon prowess in political brinkmanship, having supervised the ousting of the then ruling party in the state, and to usher in an administration predicated on a philosophy, aimed at bettering the lot of the people.

Senator Al-makura while being governor showed the qualities of a team player, whose actions were strictly guided by the rule of law and who remained accountable to the people. He was able to initiate and put in place foundations for future administrations to build upon, by introducing reforms in governance and administration.

Al-makura was able to re-orientate and introduce new values aimed at inculcating decency and discipline through exemplary leadership.

His aspiration to occupy the position of the national chairman of the APC was not accidental. Senator Al-makura has tremendous hope in a party that he helped to build. He played a key role in the negotiations leading to the merger that gave birth to the APC in 2013.

Not only that, Senator Al-makura, takes it as a sacred responsibility to build on the successes of his political role model, President Muhammadu Buhari. President Buhari and Senator Al-makura came a long way. The duo conducted joint campaigns on the streets of Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, when the powers that be then, denied the visiting presidential candidate of the then Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the party’s governorship candidate, access to the Lafia Stadium and the then Old Parade Ground, to host their political rallies.

Senator Al-makura did President Buhari proud by being the only state in the country to have won the governorship election under the CPC. With Al-makura in power, President Buhari became a father to the state and a rallying point for Al-makura who saw an opportunity to demonstrate and make practical Buhari’s political philosophy.

Al-makura provided the platform for the CPC to join the negotiations leading to the merger of the legacy parties. He hosted the maiden meeting of the progressive governors forum in Lafia, to demonstrate his level of commitment and responsibility to the APC.

The former Nasarawa State governor has everything at stake to ensure the APC not only succeed but that the gains so far recorded, are sustained. The APC has grown in leaps and bounds. From only 11 governors, the party has taken over the country, controls both chambers of the national assembly, as well as the state assemblies.

These factors combine to serve as motivation for Senator Al-makura to seek to become the national chairman of the APC. And rightly because Al-makura has paid his dues within the party. He has a stake in the party that he helped built. He is not coming to share in the spoils but to build and further develop the party.

His experience during the altercation with the state House of Assembly, dominated by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has further enriched his political experience on how to negotiate torny issues, especially using the carrot and stick tactics. Before leaving office, he ensured that the status of the assembly was restructured, making sure the PDP lost its grip on the legislature.

It’s is worthy of note to say that, members of the then state assembly, who tried to frustrate Al-makura’s sweeping reforms that saw to the cutting down the cost of governance while channeling resources to building critical infrastructure, have all seen the light and jumped ship to join the APC.

In Nasarawa State, it’s safe to say that, as a result of the inclusive, all embracing leadership style of the former governor, the ranks of the opposition has since been depleted, with politicians trooping to the APC in droves.

Already, his offices and private residences both in Abuja and Lafia, have become a Mecca of some sorts, with politicians from across every part of the country, trooping in solidarity and show of support towards his aspiration to become the national chairman of the APC.

So far, none of the aspirants for the office of the national chairman of the APC enjoys such open solidarity and support like Senator Al-makura. It’s obvious that he is the right man for the job and the stakeholders and leaders of the party should read the handwriting on the wall and to elect Senator Al-makura the next national chairman of the APC.

Solidarity and support continue to pour from across the country, with prominent politicians trooping to identify with the former Nasarawa State governor. From all indications, Senator Al-makura remains the most accepted and popular aspirant among all those that are gunning for the seat of the national chairman of the APC.

Indeed, with Al-makura at the helm of affairs of the party, the APC is poised to consolidate on its grip on power and to sustain all the development initiatives put in place by the present leadership under President Muhammadu Buhari.

With Senator Al-makura as the national chairman of the party, it’s a win-win for the APC, President Buhari and all progressive minded Nigerians.

CHAPTER NINE.

HOW I WILL TAKE APC BEYOND 2023 – SENATOR UMAR TANKO AL-MAKURA:

When the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu announced that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the convocation of the national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to hold in February, the jostle for the various offices of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) threw many aspirants up with no fewer than 11 frontline members set to slug it out for the prime position of national chairman.

As at the last count, no fewer than 11 chieftains from the North (an indication that the office may have been zoned to the region) are jostling to be the party’s third elected national chairman. They include Sunny Moniedafe; Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume; Senator Tanko Al-Makura; former Minister of Aviation, Mallam Isa Yuguda; former governors of Zamfara and Borno states, Abdulaziz Yari and Ali Modu Sherrif; Senator Sani Mohammed Musa (Sani 313); Malam Saliu Mustapha and of recent a young Minna-based politician and rights activist, Mohammadu Saidu Estu has joined the fray.

Al-Makura, the Lafia born politician has never failed to convince anybody that cares to listen that he is on a mission to take the ruling APC beyond President Buhari’s two-term era. Al-Makura, one of the founding members of the APC, is poised to give the much-needed leadership that will further entrench the party in the hearts of Nigerians as the country’s preferred political party.

The Nasarawa State-born businessman turned politician, who formally joined the race recently at the Second Annual Public Lecture Summit of the APC Press Corps in Abuja, left no one in doubt of his resolve to lead, refocus, and reinvigorate the party.

Al-Makura said his ambition to lead the over 40 million-member strong party stems from his desire to serve and give to politics and indeed the ruling party a sense of direction that will reshape and address the various lapses witnessed in the last six and half years that conflicts with the vision of its founding fathers.

For the national chairmanship hopeful, the need for the party, its leaders and members, to start thinking of the party after 2023 is the major driving force for his aspiration. Al-Makura is perturbed that by 2023 the party’s role model, President Muhammadu Buhari whose efforts and towering influence and respect have been very central in holding the party together since inception would be on his way out. The 69-year-old said the party under his watch as chairman would ensure the sustenance of the gains of the Buhari era and secure the future of the APC as the party of the first choice for Nigerians.

Declaring his chairmanship aspiration, at the APC Press Corps lecture summit, Alhaji Ta’Al, as he is fondly called by his admirers, said: “It is not about me. It is not about the ego or what goes with that. It is about sustaining the gains as one that was opportune by providence to be part of those that participated in the merger exercise. It will be a total disservice to the party, if I sit back at this very critical period, not to partake in ensuring value and add to the party. That is my objective. That is my reason for wanting to contest for the office of chairman.”

Highlighting his trajectory in politics, the chairmanship hopeful said: “I think I was born into politics because right from when I was in my impressionable age as an adolescent, I was a youth leader, way back in 1979 of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), I became the State Secretary of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), I became a member of the 1994/1995 Constituent Assembly, I became governor for eight years and now, by the special grace of God, a senator.

“I believe these would have prepared me to take the leadership of this party to the next level. I believe through this trajectory, I have come across different people within and outside the APC and if I’m allowed to preside over the leadership of this party, I have known quite a good number of people that belong to this party and I have known their contributions.

“The challenge is the sacrifices that people have been able to make over this period. I think there couldn’t be a better way to get this party properly positioned more than someone that has been with the party right from the beginning and has gone across the board to know what needs to be done and whatnot. By the special grace of God, if I become the National Chairman, I would ensure justice. I want to ensure fairness and I will ensure a level playing field for everybody and ensure also internal party democracy and reward system.”

Though a member of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Al-Makura enjoys the support of virtually all the tendencies that gave birth to the ruling party. His cosmopolitan nature and non-aligned posture, as well as his humility, explain why the master strategist is seen as the most favoured aspirant for the office of the national chairman of APC.

He is widely regarded as a gentleman. This attribute, along with the wisdom that goes with his age, further throws Al-Makura up as the ideal man to sit at the head of the national working committee of APC. Many political observers strongly believe that the ruling party will require a calm and cool-headed leadership in Al-Makura to be able to handle possible post-convention crises.

Unlike some of his contenders, Al-Makura has a solid home base support as his towering influence in Nasarawa State politics remains unparalleled. Coupled with the enormous support and the endorsement of his ambition by his state governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Sule who in fact is leading his quest for the office, many political pundits have tipped Al-Makura to carry the day at the February 2022 national convention of the party. Sources in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital said Governor Sule has launched a deft and strategic move among his fellow governors at the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) to get their buy-in into Al-Makura aspiration.

A man of depth and wisdom, Al-Makura is also expected to bring to bear the political mastery that saw him through in surviving the overtly PDP dominated Nasarawa State House of Assembly, including survival of his attempted impeachment by the Assembly in those heady days.

In the words of Caleb Maku, a Lafia-based political analyst, “with the festering crisis in APC, the party will need the wisdom and political mastery that saw Al-Makura through the political jaws of the 20 out of 24 members PDP dominated assembly that attempted the impeachment move as a governor in Nasarawa State”.

Another virtue APC stands to benefit under an Al-Makura leadership is his experience in party administration and political strategy. The chairmanship aspirant cut his teeth in party administration as the State Youth Leader of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the old Plateau State (comprising present-day Plateau and Nasarawa States) in the Second Republic. He also served as the State Secretary of the NRC from 1990 to 1992 in the Third Republic.

To equally sustain the membership drive of the Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee CECPC) that saw the defection of governors, federal and state lawmakers from the opposition PDP, Maku said the APC will need the political sagacity of the former Nasarawa State governor to sustain the winning streak.

“Just as he was able to woo the PDP dominated state assembly as a governor, APC will need a man of Al-Makura magic wand to sustain Buni membership drive and depletion of the opposition camp, even as the party goes to the crucial general election in 2023.”

Though there are many formidable aspirants, political watchers however tip Al-Makura as the possible successor of the national chairman at the Muhammadu Buhari House come February 2022.

Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s influence in Nigerian politics is rooted in his long career in public service, including his time as Governor of Nasarawa State and as a Senator who represented Nasarawa South District in the Nigerian Senate. His political experience and deep connections at the grassroots level, particularly through his focused leadership and connectivity have earned him loyal followers.

Senator Al-Makura has a strong history of advocating for democracy, having been active in the National Republican Convention, NRC during the 3rd Republic, his reputation as a pro-democracy advocate has strengthened his standing. Furthermore, he is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Nigeria’s ruling party, which enhances his national political leverage. His influence extends beyond Nasarawa State, as his role in the Senate enables him to contribute to national policy discussions and engage with political leaders across Nigeria.

Throughout his career, Senator Al-Makura has emphasized inclusive development, focusing on key sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education, as well as championing programs for people with disabilities. His ability to build and maintain strategic alliances with influential political figures has further widened his standing in Nigerian politics.

Senator Al-Makura’s combination of experience, political savvy, and a strong network of supporters among others has made him a significant figure on the national stage. The people of Nasarawa State needs him at the center to shape them in the nation’s politics.

CHAPTER TEN.

SENATOR UMAR TANKO AL-MAKURA BEST FOR APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN:

Ajayi maintains that Al-Makura has all that it takes to steer the APC on the right path, especially at this momentous time of the party’s history.

As the race for the national chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), hots up, a chieftain of the party, Dame (Mrs.) Lucy Omesefe Ajayi, has made strong case for former governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Tanko al-Makura, arguing that he has all that it takes to lead the party.

Ajayi listed the qualities that stand out Al-Makura from other aspirants to the position as his humility, accessibility and commitment to duty.

Another thing she said the ex-governor has going for him is his knack for innovation, stressing that if the former governor is elected the national chairman of the ruling party, APC will no longer be lacking in initiatives

Al-Makura should not be disqualified from APC chairmanship over his disability, group says

“I have also worked with him for six months during the merger of the legacy parties to form the APC and I saw humility personified. He is intelligent and a team worker. As a sitting governor then, he was very accessible and accommodating. He has a sincere feeling to make a better Nigeria. He is well experienced in the politics of Nigeria”, Omosefe Ajayi who is the immediate past CEO/executive director of Lagos International TradeFare Complex said.

She assured that as Al-Makura is one that loves innovation and brilliant people, he is sure to sorround himself with egg-heads that will assist him in making the party an envy of all in Africa.

Al-Makura according to her, exudes an enchanting simplicity that is easily noticeable, aside from his accommodating and pan-Nigerian nature

Ajayi who was also the former Kosofe Local Government Area party Chairman for defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), maintained that with the qualities highlighted, the former governor is the only candidate for the chairmanship position that has all it takes to further unite the party at this time.

She, however, regretted the happenings in the party at present saying “I don’t like what is happening around the convention but it will be resolved by God’s grace. The hardest part was when the merger was almost consummated, the same confusion came up but we surpassed it too. So I know definitely well that the convention will hold”.

I have been canvassing support for the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Umar Al-Makura, to be the National Chairman of the party. Because the Senator is a unifier in the party who would deliver the mandate of APC at the general elections.

Al-Makura had over the years exemplified remarkable leadership roles needed to lead the party. Senator Almakura is the best option to lead the party.

My decision to adopt Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura as the next APC National Chairman is not far-fetched; it is based on his track records, credibility, love for his people, and integrity possessed by the person of Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura.

“He has over the years exemplified remarkable leadership roles devoid of tribalism, religious sentiment, and bias. Hence, part of my resolve is to give him the required support, canvass for supporters and ensure that he emerges as the APC National Chairman.

“Our party, APC deserves a leader that has human feelings and is passionate about transformation and development of our beloved country, Nigeria.”

Al-Makura depicts the lion: he moves quietly, but shows mettle, and strength when the chips are down. In 2011, for instance, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was the dominant party in his native Nasarawa State, toyed with the lion’s tail over the governorship ticket. Al-Makura picked the ticket of the newly formed Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) where he beat the PDP.

However, it was not by any chance his political baptism. In 1980, Al-Makura was already the Youth Leader of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the old Plateau State. The NPN was the ruling party in Nigeria, but the main opposition in old Plateau State, which was then controlled by the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) and those who knew the young Al-Makura said he was a hard nut to crack.

Sen. Almakura’s impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities is a testament to his remarkable leadership and vision. He is a true political gladiator, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.

The APC must learn from both its past experiences and the experiences of other parties in taking the bold decision on who will lead the party.

We have witnessed how during the Second Republic, the personality of the national chairman of the party galvanized support and vigour for the party.

We should learn from the recent experience of the opposition PDP which is still groping in the dark.

The APC cannot afford to toe that line which result is failure.

This was why I suggested Senator Tanko Al-makura as the cut out choice for the national chairman of the APC.

Recall how Almakura was able to defeat an incumbent using the platform of a nascent party, the CPC to become governor of Nasarawa State.

For those of us who have been in politics for a while, we know that defeating an incumbent which has the support of the central government at
the state level.

The people of Nasarawa State will on May 29, 2012, rolled out drums to celebrate the first year anniversary of the administration of then Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura with grandiose and pomp having voted the candidate of their choice in the April 2011 general elections.

Nasarawa State witnessed intense political activities preparatory to the 2011 general elections which saw the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) wrest power from the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In that historic election, the electorate in Nasarawa took their destiny into their hands by resolving to vote out the moribund and ineffectual PDP from office.

On assumption of office on May 29, 2011, Senator Al-Makura, in an inspiring and earthshaking speech, said: “We are caught up in a grave moral and ethical crisis. Our state institutions are poorly managed, our infrastructure dilapidated, while our economy is weak;? the result of myopia, greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also of our collective failure to demand better from our leaders.”

He went on to capture the depressing mood in the state by saying, “our men and women, especially the youths, are mostly jobless. Our healthcare is deficient, our education system is in dire need of reforms, and our lack of power and energy threatens our economic progress. Our confidence in our ability to change all this has given way to despair.”

From the very start however, Senator Al-Makura was not unmindful of the task before him, given the level of desolation and disrepair he met in the state. In brazing for the task ahead, he said “the hurdles before us are real, grave and numerous and you and others across the country rightly expect so much from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and my administration.

“Let it be clear though that there are no easy solutions or quick fixes. Nevertheless, I assure you, we will overcome the challenges. We will undertake road building inside and outside our towns and villages, and improve our energy capabilities to meet our power needs”.

Wasting no time on rhetoric and propaganda, common attribute in our political clime, AlMakura set the ball rolling by charting a course that would forever change the fortunes of Nasarawa State. Even with the attendant distractions of court cases from the Tribunal to the Supreme Court, the CPC administration could not be deterred.

Intercity roads embarked upon by Al-Makura’s administration in Lafia, the state capital, include those linking Kurikyo and Shendam roads, Angwan Mangu-Kurikyo, the one linking Shendam Road and Angwan Tiv, through Super Cinema and the one passing through Lafia East Primary School through to the Government House Junction, on Shendam Road and Project Quarters, UAC-Kwandere Road, as well as some selected street roads in Lafia metropolis.

The former governor also awarded contracts for the construction of some roads in Akwanga and Keffi. Construction works on these roads are in progress and are at various stages of completion. He also influenced the ongoing reconstruction of Lafia-Doma Road.

Only recently, the governor procured and commissioned earth moving machines for the sole purpose of opening-up and construction of rural roads. This is aimed at abating the untold hardship suffered by rural dwellers, following years of neglect by previous administrations in the state.

The urban renewal policy of the present administration has turned Lafia into a huge construction yard, as scores of road constructions are going on simultaneously.

Nasarawa State Government is also working in collaboration with the Federal Government to assist the state in constructing federal roads that pass through the state. The governor recently held talks with officials of the Federal Ministry of Works and that may probably lead to the dualisation of Lafia-Makurdi-Enugu roads.

Al-Makura has also sought the support of authorities of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in completing the construction works on some roads that border the state and the FCT; among them are Gitata-Panda and Mararaba-Mpape roads.? When these roads are completed, they will reduce the traffic congestion on the Abuja-Karu-Nyanya-Keffi roads.

The “Power In 100 Days Initiative” of the governor in the power sector has also been a success story and residents of Lafia and other communities around the state are already enjoying the kind gesture, via constant power supply.

The intervention, which is meant to provide relief to the overstretched and outdated power infrastructure in the state, particularly in Lafia, saw the governor flagging off the installation of 32 500KVA transformers to boost the epileptic power supply in the state.

With this development, the power situation has significantly improved since the installation of the new transformers and the residents are now enjoying 12 to 16 hours of uninterrupted power supply daily and this could best be described as a feat that has never been achieved since the creation of the state, over 16 years ago.

The Nasarawa Energy Company (NASENCO), which was part of the committee set up by the state government to fine-tune the structures of powering the state, has ensured that beside its potentials for industrialization, the power project would enhance social life and improve on the economic activities of the state.

The state government has also embarked on the initiative to connect all the local government areas to the national grid, with the aim of improving the power facilities, especially the 132KVA to boost economic activities in the rural areas of the state.

The transport sector was also not left out in the initiatives of the CPC administration in the state as the government recently rejuvenated the transport sector and improve the ailing transport company, which is now christened “Nasarawa Express” by acquiring about 40 buses to provide the people with affordable, reliable and accessible transportation.

The inventory of what Senator Al-Makura has accomplished since assumption of office is endless and these include the approval and implementation of the new national minimum wage of N18,000 for the state civil servants which has served as a morale booster for the state workforce for effective and efficient service delivery.

Today, the lingering water supply shortage, inherited by the present administration, has been tackled; daily water supply has since been restored to Lafia, Keffi, Akwanga, Nasarawa, Nasarawa Eggon and Doma, just to mention few.

In the health sector, the state governor has single-handedly ensured that the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in the state called off their four months old strike on assumption of office. In addition he also introduced free medical healthcare for pregnant women and children under five years.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

FOR APC TO BE STRONG AND RETAIN POWER BEYOND 2027 – SENATOR AL-MAKURA IS THE KEY:

Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s political journey began in the early years of Nigeria’s Second Republic when he became actively involved with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). His dedication and organizational skills quickly earned him the position of Youth Leader within the NPN. In this role, Al-Makura demonstrated a strong ability to mobilize young people and engaged them in the political process, laying a foundation for his future political endeavors.

Following the dissolution of the Second Republic, Al-Makura continued his political involvement and became the Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC), one of the two parties established by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida during the transition to the Third Republic. As Secretary, Al-Makura was instrumental in shaping the party’s policies and strategies, contributing to its prominence in the political landscape of the time.

Al-Makura’s political acumen and experience culminated in his election to the Constituent Assembly, a body tasked with drafting a new constitution for Nigeria. His participation in the assembly highlighted his commitment to democratic governance and his ability to contribute to the foundational legal framework of the nation. This experience not only broadened his understanding of constitutional law but also solidified his reputation as a dedicated public servant.

In 2011, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s political career reached new heights when he was elected Governor of Nasarawa State under the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a party founded by General Muhammadu Buhari. His victory marked a significant political shift in the state, ending the dominance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

As governor, Al-Makura focused on infrastructural development, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. His administration launched several key projects, including the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals, which significantly improved the state’s infrastructure. Al-Makura’s tenure was also marked by efforts to promote peace and security, particularly in addressing the communal clashes that had plagued Nasarawa State.

After serving two terms as governor, Al-Makura transitioned to the national stage by contesting for a senatorial seat. In the 2019 general elections, he was elected as the Senator representing Nasarawa South in the 9th Assembly. As a senator, Al-Makura has continued his advocacy for development and good governance, focusing on legislation that promotes national unity, economic growth, and social welfare. In the Senate, he has been an active participant in various committees, leveraging his extensive experience in governance to influence national policy. His contributions have been instrumental in debates on critical issues, ranging from security to economic reforms.

Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s political trajectory is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public service. From his early days as a Youth Leader of the NPN to the role he served as a Senator in the 9th Assembly, Al-Makura has consistently demonstrated a passion for improving the lives of Nigerians. His journey reflects the evolution of Nigeria’s political landscape and underscores the importance of experienced leadership in fostering national development. Senator Al-Makura has left a positive landmark in the history of Nigeria politics. He is instrumental to the emergence of the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023 just like he powered the Administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

If records of service is anything to go by as reward quotient, the immediate past governor of Nasarawa state is someone who the cap fits for the position of APC national chairman.

The All progressives Congress (APC) seems at a cross road with so many internal divisions especially as the party is currently in search of who leads the party as it’s national chairman.

Although so many political juggernauts such as former Govs Ali Modu Sherriff, Clement Ebri, Abdulaziz Yari, Sen Kashim Shettima and the immediate past governor of Nasarawa state, Senator Umar Tanko Al-makura, among others, indicated interest to lead the party but most political analysts believe that what the party needs is a strong and visionary leadership with the needed political capacity to heal all wounds and refocus the party.

It is therefore, not surprising that the name of Al-Makura continues to reverberate as the most suitable candidate to lead the party.

Stakeholders and groups within the APC have continued to throw their weights behind Al-makura’s candidature with Gov Sule in the forefront contrary to practices where sitting governors were always opposed to having the national chairman from their own state.
While flagging up APC membership revalidation exercise in the state.

“If Nigeria would be kind to CPC, Nasarawa state is the only place to look at.Today is history for us in Gudi station and I think for the rest of the life of Gudi station, this is a very special day. Gudi had always identified with distinguished Sen Umar Tanko Al-Makura the architect of modern Nasarawa state from the time he brought CPC, the only state as part and parcel of the alliance that formed APC today.”

“The contributions Umar of Tanko Al-Makura at the national sphere is commendable. It was in Nasarawa state that the real Buhari agenda was implemented. It was what made the nation to become more convinced to accept Buhari as a leader. The actual implementation of CPC agenda in Nasarawa state has cleared the minds of skeptics as to the capacity of the new party to do magic. It was therefore easy after the merger for people to have confidence in APC. Indeed, Nasarawa became the laboratory for APC.

A group known as APC Young Stakeholder’s Forum in the North-central also endorsed Al-Makura’s bid to lead the party as it’s national chairman. In a press statement signed by the group’s publicity secretary, Abdulrahman Andoma Ahmed, parts of it reads, “Sen Al-Makura has the capacity and needed experience to stabilise the wobbling ship of our great party and stear it to the expected destination. Also worthy of note is the fact that Al-Makura is a true party man with a full grasp of the dynamic of party politics at the national level, having served in various capacities and committees with such pedigree and high credentials.

We believe if given the mandate to lead our great party for the next four years, Al-Makura would bring his political acumen to reorganise the party in line with the dreams and expectations of its founding fathers.”
His political career and experiences
Sen Al-Makura represents a symbol of hope and emancipation in Nigerian politics whose determination to the cause of democracy, humanity, good governance and love for common man anchored on fairness, equity and justice preceded his emergenced as governor in 2011.

Suffice it to say that his political career started from his secondary school days through tertiary institutions where he served as a public relations officer (PRO) of the Students Union Government (SUG) at the Federal College of Education Uyo in Akwa Ibom state and represented the institution at the national executive committee of the then National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS).
This politics followed him to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University Zaria when he was elected into the students representatives Assembly (SRA), a legislative organ of SUG after which he graduated to pursued his life endeavours and continued with real politics making him a man of many parts: a politician, teacher, journalist and a successful business man.
Two years after, he ventured into active politics and emerged state youth leader of the defunct National party of Nigeria (NPN) in the old Plateau state which automatically made him a member of the party’s National Executive Committee where he performed credibly well. He later got elected into the House of Representatives to representing Lafia/Obi federal constituency in the Second Republic.

In the aborted Third Republic, Al-Makura identified with the National Republican convention (NRC) and subsequently became the state secretary of the party. With the restoration of democracy in 1999, he continued to play critical roles in the politics of the country and the state. Having become dissatisfied with the performance of PDP especially in Nasarawa state and due to his shared vision with Buhari, Al-Makura dumped the party for CPC to and hands with Buhari. His defection to CPC was a political master stroke that did not only changed the course of Nasarawa politics but came like hurricane to deal a death knell to PDP which mark it’s final burial in Nasarawa through the overwhelming supports of the people.With these supports, he was able to deliver the state to Buhari and emerged governor.

His magic wand
Amidst empty treasury, intimidating debt profile and decayed infrastructures, Al-Makura swung into actions to fulfil his promises to the electorates by investing massively in the infrastructural development of the state that saw massive constructions of urban and rural roads across the state. Lafia, the state capital was suddenly transformed to an attractive state capital with massive roads constructions, traffic and streets lights to ease vehicular and human movement.
Education sector witnessed massive renovations and rehabilitations of schools across the state where for the first time, storey buildings with world class equipment and facilities were built as primary schools otherwise known as ‘Taal Model Schools in all the 13 local governments. Students scholarship and school feeding programmes were revived and education from primary to secondary levels were made free. Special schools for the blind, deaf among other disabled, were built in three senetorial districts in addition to general rehabilitations and constructions in all secondary schools in the state.

Other achievements of the administration can be seen in the areas of health, commerce and industry, urban renewal, constructions of proposed international cargo airport, constructions and upgradings of markets across the state, 500 capacity Lafia City Square, digital land administration , modern fire service stations in the three senetorial districts, electrification projects, restoration of water supply and upgrading of water works, among many other intimidating records.
Within eight years in office, Al-Makura transformed Nasarawa into a model of good governance with his people-centred policies that endeared him to the electorates who nicked named him ‘The architect of modern Nasarawa state’ hence their decision to reward him with Senate seat where he is currently setting a new phase as the best among all those representing the state.

Contributions and sacrifices
When Al-Makura emerged governor under CPC in 2011, CPC only have the gubernatorial seat, one Senate and five assembly members with PDP controlling the assembly with 19 lawmakers and two senators which they used as weapon of vindictiveness. In their desperate efforts to frustrated him, it culminated into a failed impeachment plot because his performance forced the people to rise up in his defence as he was subsequently exonerated of all the allegations against him by the impeachment panel.His victory and their failed plot made him to remain as the only CPC governor in Nigeria.

Al-makura continued to hold the party together and provided leadership which left most opposition politicians in the state with no option than keep on defecting to APC in appreciation of his performance. By the time 2019 election was held, he did not only won the state with wide margin but APC also took over the state House of Assembly with 20 seats, two senators, four rep members leaving PDP with only one senator and one rep member.

In the build up to 2019 election when the party is being threatened over Sule’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer, Al-Makura quickly deployed his crisis management skills to bring all those who contested with Sule on board and pursuaded them to accept the result in good faith.
Almakura also contributed greatly to the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari and of the party at the national level. He delivered on so many national assignments given to him by the party’s national headquarters especially as chairman APC primary election committe in Ekiti and APC National Reconciliation Committee for the North-east states among his numerous contributions.

As the party gets set for the national convention slated for June with Al-Makura indicating interest to lead the party as its national chairman, most analysts believe that he is a round peg in a round hole and his emergence would be a reward for loyalty, hardwork, competent and ensure justice, equity and fairness taking into consideration the fact that it is only CPC which Al-Makura belongs that is yet to produced the party national chairman among the three legacy parties that formed APC.

 

CHAPTER TWELVE.

APC NEEDS SENATOR UMAR TANKO AL-MAKURA TO WIN IN 2027 AND BEYOND:

Now that it is almost certain that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will zone the position of the national chairman to the North, it is imperative for all lovers of the party to, on the basis of equity and justice, push for the North Central geopolitical zone to take the slot.

This is because the Northcentral is the only geopolitical zone from the region that is yet to be given a major stake to add value to the party.

The North West already has produced a capable president in the person of President Muhammadu Buhari while the North East has the Senate President in the person of Ahmed Lawan.

Zoning the position of the national chairman to the North Central would therefore enable the zone contribute its quota towards building the fortunes of the party.

We, from the North Central zone in the bid to complement the competence of the President, the Vice President, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and others who have done well for our party, are sensitive to the demands of that office.

Hence we should be careful not present a weaker link in the strong ensemble already put together by the party by supporting a candidate that may not fit into vision of the party as driven by these great men.

It bears emphasis that what the APC needs now is an experienced hand, a stabilizing force and matured mind that can hold the party together and work out a winnable strategy ahead the 2023 general elections
I have suggested in the past that because we have no time, this is not the time to start scouting for candidates by using trial and error methods.

We can only do that if we are lacking in persons with the qualities and potentials to drive our dreams.

But that should not be the case as we already have in our hands one of the most experienced and tested persons to do this job very well.

The APC must learn from both its past experiences and the experiences of other parties in taking the bold decision on who will lead the party.

We have witnessed how during the Second Republic, the personality of the national chairman of the party galvanized support and vigour for the party.

It is said that in the NPN days, its national chairman, Meredith Adisa Akinloye was able to ensure party discipline and loyalty because of his background and experience in politics, while in the days of the NRC and SDP articulate and experienced politicians like Babagana Kingibe and Tom Ikimi helped a great deal in shaping the fortunes of their party.

We should learn from the recent experience of the opposition PDP which is still groping in the dark.

The APC cannot afford to toe that line which result is failure.

This was why I suggested Senator Tanko Al-Makura as the cut out choice for the national chairman of the APC.

Recall how Al-Makura was able to defeat an incumbent using the platform of a nascent party, the CPC to become governor of Nasarawa State.

For those of us who have been in politics for a while, we know that defeating an incumbent which has the support of the central government at the state level is a herculean task.

We know that achieving such a feat requires more than an average level of political coordination and planning which I must say Senator Al-Makura has in abundance.

He has exhibited maturity in politics and has succeeded in uniting all the major politicians in Nasarawa State to speak with one voice.

His penchant for planning and meticulous execution is well known and has contributed in making the North Central zone a hub for the APC.

If Al-Makura can do that from a not so pronounced background, I leave you to imagine what he can do if given the nationalchairmanship of the ruling party.

Yes, it is true that the APC has won two major elections in the country but it cannot afford to be complacent.

It would amount to burying our heads in the sand if we say that the APC has reached a stage where it can be placed on auto pilot mode.

The party has more work to do now that it will be presenting a fresh candidate for the president and many governorship and other positions.

We cannot afford to have a national chairman who can be intimidated or cajoled into taking decisions. We don’t want a candidate who wants to learn on the job, we want a chairman who will hit the ground running and I have no doubt in my mind that Senator Al-Makura will do just that.

For all Nigerians, this is a time for deep reflection. It is also a time to re-examine our assumptions, even as we reaffirm our hopes. Let us calmly review our aspirations, in order to recalibrate our expectations and pin down the causes of our missed opportunities and disappointments. We stand at that critical moment in time when, as a people, we must collectively come to grips with the reality of our injured destiny as well as the reasons for that injury. It is for us to reassess our plight as a young democracy and identify clear pathways to a better and greater future for us all. As we await the verdict of the election tribunal, I urge all Nigerians to use this opportunity to renew their commitment to the Nigerian ideal. That ideal remains noble and worth every sacrifice we can make.

Nigeria remains our only patrimony and it is a patrimony we must protect, rather than violate. We have no other nation but this, so let us remain committed to rescuing and rebuilding it.

The judiciary is part of the democratic enterprise and a critical governance tool for determining the propriety of the decisions and actions of every citizen and every institution of state. To that extent, and for that reason, I urge everyone to treat it with the respect and dignity it deserves. We expect that the Nigerian judiciary will use the election cases now before it to reaffirm its independence and integrity. It has to do so, for all our sakes and for itself. Nigerians must, therefore, remain peaceful and law abiding. No matter the depth of anyone’s reservations about what is going on in the polity today, no matter the real and imagined provocations, and no matter the disagreement out there, we should remember that this will not last forever.

I remain committed, and untiring, in my determination to work with like-minded fellow Nigerians to end the curse of missed opportunities and squandered hope that has become our lot here. I will never shrink from that original commitment, because I firmly believe that we must change from the present politics of criminality, and corruption, in order to make a new Nigeria possible.

I call on fellow Nigerians, especially the youths to remain steadfast, calm, patient, and peaceful. Our journey may be long and difficult but it is worth it in every way. Victory is assured.

We have to work together to move our beautiful country from corruption and criminality to a center of productivity rather than aimless consumption.

I am aware of some evil designs being hatched against me and my supporters in the coming months. Efforts will be made to taint my image. Campaigns of calumny are being perfected to defame my character and diminish my hard-earned integrity. These schemes will aim at degrading our support base and confusing the public. But, no evil campaign will alter the substance of my character; nor diminish my patriotic commitment to a better Nigeria. It is about the future of our youths. it is about ending the Years of Locust.

In all of this, I thank Nigerians, our great party (APC) and the media. The latter, as the Fourth Estate of the realm, has remained a trusted ally. This Estate must continue to guide our people on the immense promise of a future in a new Nigeria.

God bless Nigeria and protect the troops keeping us safe in this season of vaulting insecurity.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

CHAPTER NINE.

HOW I WILL TAKE APC BEYOND 2023 – SENATOR UMAR TANKO AL-MAKURA:

When the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu announced that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the convocation of the national convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to hold in February, the jostle for the various offices of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) threw many aspirants up with no fewer than 11 frontline members set to slug it out for the prime position of national chairman.

As at the last count, no fewer than 11 chieftains from the North (an indication that the office may have been zoned to the region) are jostling to be the party’s third elected national chairman. They include Sunny Moniedafe; Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume; Senator Tanko Al-Makura; former Minister of Aviation, Mallam Isa Yuguda; former governors of Zamfara and Borno states, Abdulaziz Yari and Ali Modu Sherrif; Senator Sani Mohammed Musa (Sani 313); Malam Saliu Mustapha and of recent a young Minna-based politician and rights activist, Mohammadu Saidu Estu has joined the fray.

Al-Makura, the Lafia born politician has never failed to convince anybody that cares to listen that he is on a mission to take the ruling APC beyond President Buhari’s two-term era. Al-Makura, one of the founding members of the APC, is poised to give the much-needed leadership that will further entrench the party in the hearts of Nigerians as the country’s preferred political party.

The Nasarawa State-born businessman turned politician, who formally joined the race recently at the Second Annual Public Lecture Summit of the APC Press Corps in Abuja, left no one in doubt of his resolve to lead, refocus, and reinvigorate the party.

Al-Makura said his ambition to lead the over 40 million-member strong party stems from his desire to serve and give to politics and indeed the ruling party a sense of direction that will reshape and address the various lapses witnessed in the last six and half years that conflicts with the vision of its founding fathers.

For the national chairmanship hopeful, the need for the party, its leaders and members, to start thinking of the party after 2023 is the major driving force for his aspiration. Al-Makura is perturbed that by 2023 the party’s role model, President Muhammadu Buhari whose efforts and towering influence and respect have been very central in holding the party together since inception would be on his way out. The 69-year-old said the party under his watch as chairman would ensure the sustenance of the gains of the Buhari era and secure the future of the APC as the party of the first choice for Nigerians.

Declaring his chairmanship aspiration, at the APC Press Corps lecture summit, Alhaji Ta’Al, as he is fondly called by his admirers, said: “It is not about me. It is not about the ego or what goes with that. It is about sustaining the gains as one that was opportune by providence to be part of those that participated in the merger exercise. It will be a total disservice to the party, if I sit back at this very critical period, not to partake in ensuring value and add to the party. That is my objective. That is my reason for wanting to contest for the office of chairman.”

Highlighting his trajectory in politics, the chairmanship hopeful said: “I think I was born into politics because right from when I was in my impressionable age as an adolescent, I was a youth leader, way back in 1979 of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), I became the State Secretary of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), I became a member of the 1994/1995 Constituent Assembly, I became governor for eight years and now, by the special grace of God, a senator.

“I believe these would have prepared me to take the leadership of this party to the next level. I believe through this trajectory, I have come across different people within and outside the APC and if I’m allowed to preside over the leadership of this party, I have known quite a good number of people that belong to this party and I have known their contributions.

“The challenge is the sacrifices that people have been able to make over this period. I think there couldn’t be a better way to get this party properly positioned more than someone that has been with the party right from the beginning and has gone across the board to know what needs to be done and whatnot. By the special grace of God, if I become the National Chairman, I would ensure justice. I want to ensure fairness and I will ensure a level playing field for everybody and ensure also internal party democracy and reward system.”

Though a member of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Al-Makura enjoys the support of virtually all the tendencies that gave birth to the ruling party. His cosmopolitan nature and non-aligned posture, as well as his humility, explain why the master strategist is seen as the most favoured aspirant for the office of the national chairman of APC.

He is widely regarded as a gentleman. This attribute, along with the wisdom that goes with his age, further throws Al-Makura up as the ideal man to sit at the head of the national working committee of APC. Many political observers strongly believe that the ruling party will require a calm and cool-headed leadership in Al-Makura to be able to handle possible post-convention crises.

Unlike some of his contenders, Al-Makura has a solid home base support as his towering influence in Nasarawa State politics remains unparalleled. Coupled with the enormous support and the endorsement of his ambition by his state governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Sule who in fact is leading his quest for the office, many political pundits have tipped Al-Makura to carry the day at the February 2022 national convention of the party. Sources in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital said Governor Sule has launched a deft and strategic move among his fellow governors at the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) to get their buy-in into Al-Makura aspiration.

A man of depth and wisdom, Al-Makura is also expected to bring to bear the political mastery that saw him through in surviving the overtly PDP dominated Nasarawa State House of Assembly, including survival of his attempted impeachment by the Assembly in those heady days.

In the words of Caleb Maku, a Lafia-based political analyst, “with the festering crisis in APC, the party will need the wisdom and political mastery that saw Al-Makura through the political jaws of the 20 out of 24 members PDP dominated assembly that attempted the impeachment move as a governor in Nasarawa State”.

Another virtue APC stands to benefit under an Al-Makura leadership is his experience in party administration and political strategy. The chairmanship aspirant cut his teeth in party administration as the State Youth Leader of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the old Plateau State (comprising present-day Plateau and Nasarawa States) in the Second Republic. He also served as the State Secretary of the NRC from 1990 to 1992 in the Third Republic.

To equally sustain the membership drive of the Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee CECPC) that saw the defection of governors, federal and state lawmakers from the opposition PDP, Maku said the APC will need the political sagacity of the former Nasarawa State governor to sustain the winning streak.

“Just as he was able to woo the PDP dominated state assembly as a governor, APC will need a man of Al-Makura magic wand to sustain Buni membership drive and depletion of the opposition camp, even as the party goes to the crucial general election in 2023.”

Though there are many formidable aspirants, political watchers however tip Al-Makura as the possible successor of the national chairman at the Muhammadu Buhari House come February 2022.

Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s influence in Nigerian politics is rooted in his long career in public service, including his time as Governor of Nasarawa State and as a Senator who represented Nasarawa South District in the Nigerian Senate. His political experience and deep connections at the grassroots level, particularly through his focused leadership and connectivity have earned him loyal followers.

Senator Al-Makura has a strong history of advocating for democracy, having been active in the National Republican Convention, NRC during the 3rd Republic, his reputation as a pro-democracy advocate has strengthened his standing. Furthermore, he is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Nigeria’s ruling party, which enhances his national political leverage. His influence extends beyond Nasarawa State, as his role in the Senate enables him to contribute to national policy discussions and engage with political leaders across Nigeria.

Throughout his career, Senator Al-Makura has emphasized inclusive development, focusing on key sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education, as well as championing programs for people with disabilities. His ability to build and maintain strategic alliances with influential political figures has further widened his standing in Nigerian politics.

Senator Al-Makura’s combination of experience, political savvy, and a strong network of supporters among others has made him a significant figure on the national stage. The people of Nasarawa State needs him at the center to shape them in the nation’s politics.