Al-Makura Debunks Rumor of Defecting, Affirms Loyalty to APC and Commitment to APC’s Victory in 2027

Commends NSE Leadership, Charges Fellows to Drive Innovation and National Development

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters

The immediate past governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Tanku Al-Makura has debunked rumor of his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the party primary elections where his assumed  preferred aspirant does not secure the party’s ticket for the 2027 election.

”As a founding member of the merger, I am APC from my head to my feet, can leave the party because the aspirant I support for the primary didn’t get the ticket of the party.”

The former Gov. debunked the rumor yesterday while addressing journalists shortly after the second quarter induction of engineers by the Nigeria  Society of Engineers in Abuja.

He commended the leadership of the party for setting up an internal mechanism at reconciling all interest

As Guest of Honour at the Fellowship Investiture Ceremony where newly inducted fellows were urged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service to humanity, he challenged the engineering society to take a leading role in advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure, technological innovation, and industrial transformation as the country pursues ambitious development goals under the current Renewed Hope administration.

Congratulating the recipients, he described the conferment of fellowship as a prestigious recognition earned through years of dedication, professional excellence, ethical conduct, and contributions to national development.

“Engineers remain at the forefront of innovation, infrastructure development, technological advancement, and economic transformation. As Nigeria continues its journey towards sustainable development and industrial growth, the role of engineers has never been more critical,” he stated.

Addressing the newly conferred fellows, he noted that the honour comes with greater responsibility, including mentoring younger professionals, promoting excellence, and safeguarding the ethical values of the profession.

He also commended the Nigerian engineering community for its unwavering commitment to advancing engineering practice and strengthening professional capacity across the country.

The Guest of Honour paid glowing tribute to the President of the engineering body, describing his rise to leadership as a testament to professionalism, discipline, resilience, and dedication to service.

According to him, the engineering profession remains indispensable to national progress, stressing that no meaningful development can occur without the contributions of engineers.

He further highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting that major projects initiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration have created unprecedented opportunities for engineers to contribute to national growth.

“Projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other strategic infrastructure initiatives are opening new opportunities for economic growth and national integration. Engineers are central to the success of these initiatives, and the future development of our nation will continue to depend on their expertise and innovation,” he said.

He further urged members of the profession to seize the opportunity presented by ongoing national development efforts by providing innovative solutions to the country’s challenges while praising the discipline, orderliness, and professionalism displayed throughout the event, describing them as qualities that should serve as a model for other professional bodies.

“As professionals, your conduct today reflects the values of excellence, responsibility, and service. If these values are embraced across all sectors, we will build a nation where prosperity and opportunity are available to all,” he added.

He concluded by reaffirming the critical role of engineers as partners in progress and congratulated the newly inducted fellows on their achievement, wishing them greater success and accomplishments in the years ahead.

The ceremony brought together distinguished engineers, council members, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the country to celebrate excellence and contributions to the engineering profession.