Tanko Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa State and prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated his unwavering support for Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the party’s recently selected national chairman.
Al-Makura revealed this in an open letter published in Abuja on Tuesday, characterizing the rise of the new national chairman of the APC as a manifestation of the party’s shared will to embrace stability, unity, and rejuvenation.
He praised President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) for approving the new leadership, calling it an indication of the party’s ability to self-correct internally and of political maturity.
“This is more than just a change in leadership,” Al-Makura said.
According to him, it is a reaffirmation of the core values that gave rise to the APC, including discipline, equity, inclusivity, and putting the good of the country ahead of individual goals.
Al-Makura, who was instrumental in the 2013 APC merger of legacy parties, emphasized the necessity for the party to act quickly to reestablish internal unity and public confidence.
He emphasized that the leadership transition should be viewed as a positive step toward democratic consolidation rather than as an indication of instability.
“I fully and unequivocally support the President’s and the NEC’s decision to select you.
“The party has spoken, and we must all move forward together.”
The former governor reiterated that peace, unity, and party cohesion must take precedence over individual ambitions.
“My commitment to the party remains unwavering.
“I will continue to offer my guidance, experience, and leadership wherever required, not for personal gain, but for the progress of the party and the country,” he added.
Al-Makura urged party stakeholders to rally behind the new leadership, calling for a renewed focus on dialogue, consensus-building, and maturity.
“The APC is not just a political platform; it is a symbol of national endurance, of what is possible when Nigerians come together across divides to build a shared future,” he said.
He further encouraged the new leadership to provide not only administrative guidance but also moral clarity in addressing the complex socio-political issues currently confronting the nation.
He called for an inclusive leadership style rooted in reconciliation and the deliberate healing of divisions within the party.
“You assume office at a time of great opportunity, and even greater responsibility. Nigerians are demanding sincerity, empathy, and results.
“We must recommit ourselves to politics of listening, bridge-building, and strategic patience. I am fully in support of any leadership approach that values experience, welcomes innovation, and promotes unity,” said.
Al-Makura pledged to serve as a bridge between generations and regions within the party, promising to work with the new leadership to uphold the APC’s founding mission and mentor emerging leaders.
“I was part of the historic compromises that created this party. I remain available today not as a contender, but as a resource, a bridge, and a committed progressive,” he declared.
He urged the new leadership to ensure all segments of the party were carried along, stressing that party unity was essential to national stability.
He also warned that internal party behaviour reflected the party’s broader capacity to govern.
“The youth must feel included. The elders must feel valued. And those who feel alienated must be reassured that the APC is still their home.
At a time when Nigeria is dealing with social unrest, economic strain, and regional unpredictability, the APC needs to establish itself as a symbol of unity and moderation.
“Even though we speak different languages, practice different religions, and have different skin tones, we are all members of the same human race.
We are stewards of the people’s trust in our capacity as leaders. We must rule with moral responsibility in addition to power.
Al-Makura prayed for the new APC chairman’s success, saying he hoped his leadership would promote harmony, peacemaking, and long-term electoral victory.
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