Retired DIG Ari Muhammed Joins APC, Declares 2027 Senate Bid

Retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Ari Muhammed Ali has officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and set his sights on the Nasarawa South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

DIG Ari Muhammed, who was retired in March 2025 under controversial circumstances by Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is making a bold entry into politics barely weeks after his disengagement from service.

Sources close to the retired officer confirmed over the weekend that he had concluded formalities with the APC and would soon commence consultations across Nasarawa South Senatorial District.

“Ari Muhammed is equally contesting for Senate under APC in Nasarawa South,” a top party official disclosed. “His grassroots network from his policing days will be a major advantage for him.”

DIG Ari’s retirement, alongside six other senior officers DIGs Dasuki Galandachi, Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, Jonathan Towuru, Suleiman Yusuf, Banji Lawal Badru, and Bala Ciroma had stirred controversy within the force. Allegations of age falsification and violations of service rules formed the official basis for their compulsory retirement.

However, questions continue to swirl around IGP Egbetokun’s refusal to bow out despite reaching the statutory retirement age.

Political observers say DIG Ari’s move is part of a growing trend of security chiefs transitioning into politics. His ambition mirrors that of former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, who recently declared his intention to contest the Nasarawa State governorship in 2027, also under the APC.

Adamu, who served from 2019 to 2021 under President Muhammadu Buhari, pledged an inclusive, people-centered government if elected.

Speaking at a private meeting in Lafia, a close ally of DIG Ari hinted that his experience in law enforcement and conflict resolution would be central themes of his Senate campaign.

“He understands the security needs of our people deeply,” the ally said. “Beyond security, he’s passionate about creating jobs, education, and youth empowerment. He’s not coming to experiment he’s coming to deliver.”

Nasarawa’s political climate is already heating up ahead of 2027. With incumbent Governor Abdullahi Sule completing his final term, and a growing list of heavyweights throwing their hats into the ring, the stakes have never been higher.

Ari Muhammed Ali, a native of Doma Local Government Area, boasts an extensive resume. He holds degrees from the University of Maiduguri and Delta State University, as well as a doctorate from the Irish University Business School, United Kingdom.

With a distinguished law enforcement career behind him and political momentum building, DIG Ari’s Senate bid could reshape Nasarawa’s political landscape and signal a new chapter for security sector veterans seeking influence beyond uniformed service.