By Leo Abel, Lafia
As the political landscape in Nasarawa State begins to take shape ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections, discussions surrounding potential candidates and party allegiances are intensifying.
Central to these speculations is Governor Abdullahi Sule’s recent declaration that his successor will emerge from the All Progressives Congress (APC). He made this clear during a key stakeholders meeting at the Government House on Tuesday.
At the meeting, prominent political figures, including Dr. Aliyu Bello, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, shared their views on maintaining unity within the APC and the significance of the upcoming 2024 local government elections.
One significant speculation centers around Senator Aliyu Wadada, who currently represents Nasarawa’s Western Zone under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Rumors are circulating that Wadada, despite his current party affiliation, may return to the APC to contest the 2027 governorship. His influence and political experience make him a key figure in these discussions.
Political analysts are divided. Some argue that Wadada’s close relationship with the APC State Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello, could facilitate a smooth return to the party. Others believe that even if Wadada remains with the SDP, he could still receive indirect support from the APC due to his political strength.
“Wadada has a strong following, and the APC might back him as a candidate, regardless of his current party,” observed a political pundit who requested anonymity.
The APC stakeholders meeting also highlighted the growing influence of two prominent members—Dr. Faisal Shuaibu, former Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and Dr. Musa Ahmed Muhammed, the current Accountant General of Nasarawa State. Both have been linked to the 2027 gubernatorial race, with political observers suggesting they are vying for the APC’s endorsement.
Our correspondent reports that both Shuaibu and Ahmed hail from the same zone, with strong political bases across the state, making them key contenders for the APC nomination.
Political sources indicate that “the APC must carefully navigate potential internal conflicts posed by these two prominent figures from the same constituency.”
During the stakeholders’ meeting, Governor Sule emphasized that loyalty to the APC remains paramount. He stated that his administration’s achievements in education, health, and agriculture could only be sustained if the APC continues to govern beyond 2027.
“As you all know, my ultimate goal is to hand over to another APC governor in 2027,” Governor Sule said, addressing growing concerns about defections and political realignments.
Sule also called for unity within the APC, particularly among those who may have left the party after previous elections. “What happened in 2019 and 2023 is behind us. We must come together for the future,” he added, urging stakeholders to focus on the 2024 local government elections and adopt the consensus model for selecting candidates.
Consensus candidacy, a method employed by the Nasarawa APC since 2014, remains the preferred route for choosing flag bearers. Governor Sule encouraged stakeholders to select three potential candidates per position to avoid perceptions of favoritism.
Dr. Aliyu Bello, APC State Chairman, emphasized the success of reconciliation efforts, pointing out that many aggrieved members who left the party after the 2023 elections had returned. “We are not relenting in our efforts to rebuild a stronger party for the future,” Bello stated, urging the selection of strong candidates for the upcoming local government elections.
Former APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, urged grassroots party leaders to ensure that consensus candidates reflect the best interests of the party. Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura added that the increased responsibilities of local government chairmen require the election of competent individuals capable of handling the complexities of the role.
While the focus of the meeting was the upcoming local government elections, much of the discussion revolved around the 2027 gubernatorial race. Governor Sule’s declaration has, for now, quelled speculations of defections and alliances. However, the political landscape remains fluid, and the next few years will be critical in shaping Nasarawa’s political future.
Whether Senator Wadada and other aspirants will seek the APC’s endorsement or pursue alternative paths remains to be seen. Governor Sule’s emphasis on loyalty suggests that the APC will prioritize unity, but Nasarawa’s political dynamics have proven unpredictable in the past.
The upcoming local government elections will be a precursor to the larger political battles that lie ahead.
