Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura is a seasoned and well respected politician in Nigeria. He has made significant contributions to the country’s political landscape.
Why did he visit Pres. Tinubu a few days ago?
Senator Tanko Al-Makura who is the former Governor of Nasarawa State, visited President Bola Tinubu as part of a delegation from The Buhari Organisation, led by CPC within the APC. They pledged their loyalty and support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. During the visit, Al-Makura assured Tinubu of the group’s commitment, stating, “We are with you in loyalty, in person, and in purpose. May Almighty God grant you the wisdom and strength to continue leading our nation”.
The visit aimed to express support for Pres. Tinubu. The Buhari Organisation formally declared its backing for Tinubu’s re-election, dismissing speculations of aligning with opposition coalitions.
Tinubu highlighted his administration’s achievements, including meeting Nigeria’s 2025 revenue target ahead of schedule and stabilizing the economy.
Al-Makura praised Tinubu for honouring the memory of late President Muhammadu Buhari, and Tinubu promised to uphold Buhari’s values of integrity and justice.
The meeting demonstrated solidarity between the CPC bloc and Tinubu’s administration, with Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, assuring that over 90% of CPC’s pioneer leaders remain loyal.
Unknown to many Senator Tanko Al-Makura is close to President Bola Tinubu. And their relationship has been highlighted in recent political developments.
Al-Makura, a close ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been considered by President Tinubu to help convince the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc to remain in the All Progressives Congress (APC). Tinubu is said to be considering Al-Makura for the position of APC National Chairman if he successfully persuades Buhari’s loyalists to stay in the party.
Al-Makura has expressed commitment to the APC and Tinubu’s administration.
The North-Central APC Forum has hailed Al-Makura for shunning the opposition coalition, praising his loyalty to Tinubu and the APC. The forum expressed confidence in delivering six million votes for Tinubu from the North-Central in the 2027 elections.
Al-Makura’s relationship with Tinubu is built on mutual interest and loyalty, with both leaders working together to strengthen the APC’s position ahead of the 2027 elections.
Senator Tanko Al-Makura the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), a position he was appointed to by President Bola Tinubu. This role involves overseeing the implementation of nationwide policies for early childhood care, primary, and junior secondary education.
As UBEC Chairman, Al-Makura is expected to:
Improve Access to Quality Education: Advance the Federal Government’s goals of enhancing basic education across Nigeria.
Tackle Education Challenges: Address issues like out-of-school children, poor learning outcomes, inadequate infrastructure, and teacher shortages.
Strengthen UBEC-State Collaboration: Work with state governments to improve education delivery at the grassroots level.
Al-Makura’s experience in governance, public policy, and grassroots development makes him suitable for this role. He previously served as Governor of Nasarawa State from 2011 to 2019 and as a senator representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District.
Born in November 1952 in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Al-Makura attended Dunama Primary School, Keffi Teachers College, and Government Teachers College, Uyo. He graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
How did he get into Politics? Al-Makura’s political journey began in the 1980s as a Youth leader of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He later served as Governor of Nasarawa State from 2011 to 2019 under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and All Progressives Congress (APC) platforms. He was elected Senator representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District in 2019.
Al-Makura is known for his transformative leadership style, which emphasizes inclusivity, fairness, and integrity. During his tenure as Governor, he implemented various projects and policies that improved the lives of Nasarawa State residents.
It was recently, President Bola Tinubu appointed Al-Makura as the Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
Apart from politics, Al-Makura is a successful businessman with interests in construction, real estate, and hospitality. He owns Ta’al Nigeria Limited, which has properties in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Washington DC.
Through his Mother and Child Care Enhancement Foundation (McCEF), Al-Makura provides support to vulnerable populations, including training for youths and promoting education.
It was the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari that triggered a fierce power struggle within the political ranks of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc, with prominent loyalists now jostling to assume control of the legacy he left behind. Although the CPC officially merged with other parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, Buhari’s passing has reignited a wave of political maneuvering by figures formerly aligned with the party’s ideology.
Notable individuals staking claims to CPC’s symbolic leadership include Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Confederation of APC Support Groups’ Director-General Prof. Muhammad Kailani, and NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd). Others in the fray include Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Radda, former Governor Aminu Masari, ex-APC National Secretary Waziri Bulama, and several members of the 7th National Assembly.
Despite assertions by some veterans like Senator Abu Ibrahim that the CPC no longer exists as a political entity, recent moves suggest otherwise.
Since Buhari’s death multiple political actors have begun aligning themselves as ideological custodians of Buhari’s political legacy, reigniting dormant rivalries under the APC umbrella.
Senator Al-Makura has emerged as a leading contender for the symbolic mantle. Through his aide, Ibraheem Hamza Muhammad—a member of the APC Independent Presidential Campaign Council—Al-Makura declared his rightful position as CPC’s enduring pillar, pointing to wide-ranging support from key allies. He cited a recent press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre where notable names such as Abu Ibrahim, Buba Marwa, Dikko Radda, and Osita Okechukwu openly backed him.
Supporters have described Al-Makura as the only person ever elected governor under the CPC platform and the man who held the party together in its most turbulent years. Bauchi APC stalwart Labib Abdullahi Mahmood described him as a “silent hurricane” with deep political roots dating back to 1979.
The North Central APC Forum Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, also emphasized Al-Makura’s standing, stating that even the late President Buhari acknowledged him as the bloc’s most senior figure. Zazzaga dismissed other contenders. Meanwhile, Prof. Muhammad Kailani has declared his own intention to carry the CPC torch. Recalling his decades-long journey with Buhari through the APP, ANPP, CPC, and APC eras, Kailani claimed that Buhari had entrusted his followers to support the present government, insisting that they were instrumental in bringing the administration to power.
The unfolding leadership contest within the CPC remnants reveals the intensity of internal APC power dynamics as loyalists scramble to secure Buhari’s ideological inheritance and reposition themselves ahead of the next political cycle.
Who is Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura politician who has held various prominent positions. Here’s what we know about him:
Known for his people-first approach, modesty, and strategic focus, he’s considered a unifying figure who inspires loyalty across party lines.
He is also a successful businessman with interests in real estate, hospitality, and agriculture. He owns The Wave, a 5-star hotel under construction in Abuja, and Ta’al Conference Hotel in Lafia.
A few months back there was a growing campaign for him to become the APC’s national chairman, with some believing his leadership style and experience would be beneficial for the party .
Can he step into Buharis shoes?
Tanko Al-Makura’s potential to step into Buhari’s shoes is being discussed among political analysts and stakeholders.
Al-Makura has been mentioned as a potential leader of the CPC bloc within the APC, with some supporters arguing that he’s the rightful leader due to his seniority and experience. He has broad support from key figures like Governor Dikko Radda, Senator Abu Ibrahim, and General Buba Marwa.
Buhari’s death has left a void in Nigerian politics, particularly in the North, where he had a significant following. Al-Makura’s ability to fill this void would depend on his ability to command loyalty and trust among Buhari’s supporters.
Analysts warn that the leadership tussle following Buhari’s death may deepen existing cracks within the Buhari political family and potentially accelerate defections from the APC. Some Buhari loyalists have already joined the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Potential Successors: Other potential successors mentioned include:
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso: Some believe he could fill the void left by Buhari in the North due to his experience and influence.
Kashim Shettima: As Vice President, he combines national exposure with northern roots and is seen as articulate and disciplined.
Atiku Abubakar: Although he may not enjoy the same cult following as Buhari, he could influence northern sentiment and has been mentioned as a potential candidate.
Ultimately, whether Al-Makura or anyone else can step into Buhari’s shoes will depend on their ability to inspire loyalty, trust, and confidence among Buhari’s supporters and the broader northern community.
Can he lead the CPC?
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura is a strong contender to lead the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc. Here are some key points to consider:
Al-Makura has extensive experience in party and national assignments.
He’s also a seasoned politician with a strong track record of loyalty to the APC.
