By Danjuma Joseph Lafi
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s political trajectry in Nasarawa State mirrors the popular scriptural saying that, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” He was opposed and sidelined by a section of APC stakeholders, but he remained relevant and influential.
As former Governor of Nasarawa State, Al-Makura is widely credited for opening up the state capital. Dr. Aliyu Bello, APC Chairman in Nasarawa, noted in a recent interview that he constructed street roads in Lafia and in all 13 local government headquarters, leaving a visible infrastructure landmarks.
According to Dr. Bello, the only perceived rift between Governor Abdullahi Sule and his predecessor is the 2027 governorship alignment. Governor Sule is backing Ahmed Wadada, while Al-Makura supports IGP Adamu Rtd. Bello insists there is no personal quarrel between the two leaders.
It is known fact that the governorship choice has, however, drawn a clear battle line. A group of critical APC stakeholders in the state who opposed Al-Makura’s influence are now actively positioning against his camp ahead of 2027.
To some of us, this is not new anyway. The same bloc stood against Al-Makura’s bid for APC National Chairman in 2022. They also opposed his nomination as ministerial nominee to represent Nasarawa State, seeking to limit his political clout.
But, despite those moves, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, found him worthy and appointed him Chairman of the Governing Board of the Universal Basic Education Board, UBEC. Pundits said it was a major political reset that put him back at the center of national governance.
President Tinubu further named him North Central Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors. In that capacity, Al-Makura is driving grassroots mobilization across the zone and gaining new political traction.
Observers say he has managed both UBEC and the Renewed Hope portfolio effectively. That performance has turned him into a rallying point for supporters who see competence and consistency in his leadership.
Despite the disdain of a handful of individuals in Nasarawa, his federal appointments and continued influence have strengthened his base. The attacks, instead of weakening him, have elevated his profile as a survivor and the proverbial cat with nine lives.
From blocked nominations to board chairmanship and zonal coordination, Al-Makura has moved from political exile to relevance. In Nasarawa State today, the man once dismissed by some stakeholders has indeed become the cornerstone his supporters rally around.