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Category: Politics

  • Ekiti 2026: Senator Ningi cautions PDP members against infighting

    Ekiti 2026: Senator Ningi cautions PDP members against infighting

    As preparations for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State gather momentum, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated its ad-hoc delegates ahead of the party’s primary election.

    The seven-member Congress Committee, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central in the National Assembly, conducted the inauguration on Friday at the PDP Secretariat in Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti. 

    The ad-hoc delegates, drawn from the 177 wards across the state’s 16 Local Government Areas, comprise three members per ward—two males and one female.

    Addressing party leaders in Ado-Ekiti Senator Ningi explained that the primary duty of the ad-hoc delegates is to ensure a transparent, credible, and well-documented primary process. 

    He cautioned members against internal wrangling and urged unity among aspirants in order to reposition the party for victory in 2026.

    According to him: “We want to reposition the Peoples Democratic Party, and that means we must follow the rules and avoid anything that could run foul of the law. 

    “This exercise is not about any particular aspirant; it’s about building a strong foundation for the PDP in Ekiti once again.”

    He stressed that the PDP remains a national party that transcends personal interests and ethnic boundaries.

    “This is not a personalised party. It’s a Nigerian party that has given opportunities to all — from a minority like Goodluck Jonathan to a Yoruba and a Hausa leader. That’s why some of us have remained steadfast since 1998,” he noted.

    While emphasising sacrifice and service, Ningi said the exercise must be devoid of acrimony, adding that the committee’s sole mission is to rebuild and strengthen the PDP in the state.

    “Ekiti is not under PDP rule today. There’s no governor or senator here. What we have is sacrifice and commitment to the people. Our goal is to lay a new foundation and ensure that every delegate represents the collective interest of the people,” he stated.

    He charged members to close ranks, avoid internal divisions, and work together as one family to return the party to power in 2026.

    Read Also: Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji set to clinch APC governorship ticket as sole challenger withdraws

    Ekiti PDP chairman Hon. Tunji Odeyemi, described the inauguration of the ad-hoc delegates as a crucial step toward a credible and successful primary election.

     “Transparency is key. When you look at the calibre of people sent from Abuja, you’ll see integrity at work. This congress is open, fair, and free from corruption,” Odeyemi assured.

    He disclosed that all ward results were duly vetted, signed, and documented to guarantee credibility, adding that the party was determined to set a new record in internal democracy and restore the people’s confidence.

    “We are opening a new chapter in Ekiti PDP. With unity and support from our national leaders, we will build a strong structure capable of reclaiming the Government House,” he affirmed.

  • Reps Minority Leadership crisis: NASS seeks to void suit, denies alleged plot

    Reps Minority Leadership crisis: NASS seeks to void suit, denies alleged plot

    The National Assembly has asked the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to strike out a suit filed by the Minority  Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, seeking to stop the Assembly from receiving any correspondence seeking to remove him on the ground of his association with the Minister of the FCT.

    In their counter claim, the National  Assembly, Clerk to the National Assembly and Clerk to the House of Representatives  (1st, 2nd and 5th defendants) asked the court to strike out their names from the suit for lack of substance.

    This is contained in a memorandum of conditional appearance over protest filed by Charles Yoila Esq leading six other lawyers from the Department of Litigation and Counseling of the National Assembly dated 23rd October,  2025, with a 10 paragraph witness statement deposed to Hayatudeen Musa.

    In their joint statement of defence and counterclaim, they admitted that the standing orders of the House of Representatives makes provisions for the procedures for removing any officer of House, but said they were not in a position to state the position of the minority members of the House.

    They also said that they were not in any position to admit or deny that the majority of the members of the minority parties in the House travelled during the vacation and as such, there was no majority of members of the minority parties to properly make or seek for change in the minority leadership of the House.

    “There is no record of any move to remove the plaintiff as Minority Leader  of the House of Representatives  against his constitutional right of association or on the ground claimed by him

    “By our record, there is no move to remove the plaintiff minority leader of the House of Representatives  arbitrarily. So, injunction  should not be granted against the 1,2 an 5 defendants  in the circumstance as the claimed is unfounded and is based on speculations,” the claimed. 

    Read Also: Constitution Review: NASS scrutinises requests for 59 states, 278 LGAs

    They argued that the suit disclosed no reasonable  cause of action against them and as such, the action against  them is incompetent  and liable to dismissed  and struck out, adding that granting any injunction in the circumstance sought would prevent the legislature from performing its constitutional duties  as it would want to when the need arises.

    They asked the court to strike out their names from the suit for none issuance of pre action notice to them before the institution of the suit, for being improper,  lack of course of action and lack of substance in the suit.

    They also claimed that the plaintiff action against them were speculative, misconceived, incompetent and demanded the sum of N1m as the cost incurred in the defence of the suit.

  • Okpebholo, PDP trade words over insecurity in Edo

    Okpebholo, PDP trade words over insecurity in Edo

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Edo State Government have traded words over insecurity in the state.

    This followed release of Miss Aisha Wahab,who was kidnapped in Auchi and held captive by kidnappers for over almost one month.

    Aisha was released after N20m was allegedly paid as ransom.

    The Edo PDP accused the administration of Governor Okpebholo of sleeping while Edo citizens and groups intervened through moral and financial support.

    It said Governor Okpebholo abandoned what it termed “solid and time-tested security architecture established by former Governor Godwin Obaseki” and opted for a “path of destruction, dismantling tested systems through propaganda, disinformation, and unrelenting partisanship driven by sheer pettiness and malice.”

    Spokesman for the Edo PDP, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, in a statement, urged Governor Okpebholo to stop the charade, abandon propaganda, and get to work. 

    “Governance is not theatre; it is sacred duty. Edo people deserve security, dignity, and protection, not excuses.”

    But Edo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said security tactics don’t allow for noise and fulmination, especially when kidnapping was involved. 

    Read Also: Okpebholo promises to protect oil pipelines

    According to him: “What the PDP wanted the Governor to do was to behave in a most ludicrous manner, and apply cheap propaganda in the process, and then sing on television and social media platforms about Aisha Wahab.

    “That would have been most counter-productive. The security agents and our crack team of detectives, applied all that was necessary and propitious to geo-locate her, then followed through on all the leads, and ensured that she was released unscathed. Those who are trying to take advantage of such a condemnable act to score cheap political points, may very well be the architects of kidnapping activities in Edo state. 

    “The current Edo State Governor is doing very well in the critical sectors of the Edo economy.

    “The opposition PDP is hereby reminded that security issues cannot be used for popularity contest. We are not duty bound to expose the discrete process that was employed to secure Aisha’s release; and we are proud and happy, that we secured her release.”

  • Wike to PDP Govs: sidelining me will bury PDP

    Wike to PDP Govs: sidelining me will bury PDP

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors that their strategy of excluding him from key decisions will lead to the party’s collapse.

    Wike, who gave the warning at a monthly live media parley monitored by The Nation in Abuja, expressed frustration for being sidelined from major consultations despite his long-standing influence within the party.

    He said: “Have I not said it before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party”.

    He directly challenged the logic of his exclusion, questioning whether his current role as a Minister or his past contributions rendered him irrelevant.

    “I am the FCT Minister. Are you telling me that because I am not a Governor, you will hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?” he said.

    Wike dismissed the idea that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was to blame for the PDP’s internal crises, asserting that the problems were self-inflicted.

    Wike said: “All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people because they are Governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?”

    On the upcoming PDP national convention, the Minister accused the party leadership of failing to complete essential groundwork.

    “If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,” he said.

    His warning comes as the PDP grapples with internal defections and legal battles threatening its planned convention slated for November 15 and 16, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    He said: “Have I not said that so many Governors will leave? Is this the first time you have heard me say so? It is very embarrassing. The Governor was the Chairman of the Convention Committee. It is very embarrassing.

    “Diri was the Chairman of the Zoning Committee. Even though I knew from the beginning that they were all playing games. I knew from the beginning, I said it before. There is nothing I said that has not come to pass. Tell me one,” he said.

    He added: “With what is going on politically, PDP will continue to lose if there is no change. It is very embarrassing; I know from the beginning that some PDP members are playing games. House that has died since. PDP did not do the right thing. They should follow due process to the national convention.

    “If you think you will sideline people to hold the convention, it will not be possible. If a proper convention is to be held, I will attend, but if the convention is not a proper one, I will not attend.

    Wike said the leadership had failed to complete necessary congresses and other key processes, which he claimed were stalling progress.

    “If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,” he said.

    The PDP has, in recent months, faced internal crises and a wave of defections involving top members such as Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu); Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta);and Umo Enoh (Akwa Ibom). 

    The party is also battling multiple legal suits over its forthcoming convention.

    He added: “Assuming I am not a minister, by the role I have played in the PDP till now, is it right to say I cannot be consulted in taking decisions of the party? Certainly not.”

  • SDP State chairmen endorse expulsion of Gabam, others 

    SDP State chairmen endorse expulsion of Gabam, others 

    The Forum of Social Democratic Party (SDP) State Chairmen has endorsed the expulsion of the party’s National Chairman,  Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam and 10 others by the National Working Committee (NWC), describing their exit as victory of righteousness over evil.

    The party’s NWC on through its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba on Thursday at a press briefing in Abuja announced the expulsion of the National Chairman, National Youth Leader,  Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu and nine others for an alleged misconduct, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office.

    Reacting to the development, the Forum of State Chairmen of the party in a statement by its Chairman, Hon. Femi Olaniyi (Ferrari) in Abuja on Friday said their expulsion signals better days for the party.

    Olaniyi, who is also the Chairman of the Lagos chapter, said the party is set for a new lease of life with the expulsion of Gabam and others.

    The statement reads: “The departure of Shehu Gabam at this crucial moment marks a victory for the righteous over evil. History will not overlook the years he spent as national chairman. 

    “Without reservation, Gabam has been a negative influence on the political development of the Social Democratic Party.

    Read Also: Key figures in PDP, SDP, AA defect to Ondo APC

    “At this point, the forum of Social Democratic Party state chairmen would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the party’s National Working Committee for their role in removing Shehu Gabam and others. It is a relief to see the end of such a detrimental influence.

    “Congratulations to all our members across the country and to the party leadership for taking this bold step to protect the party from reckless behavior and mischief.”

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary said the  decision to expel Gabam and other chieftains was reached at a meeting of the party’s NWC, after adopting the findings of the party’s Disciplinary Committee and a subsequent White Paper that reviewed allegations against the affected officers.

    The party said their explusion was the outcome of months of investigation and disciplinary proceedings.

    On June 24, 2025, the party suspended the trio of — Gabam, Uchechukwu, and the National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi — over a prima facie case of misconduct, financial impropriety, and gross abuse of office.

    He further said that to ensure due process, “the party constituted an independent Disciplinary Committee on July 4, 2025, which conducted a two-week investigation and submitted its report on July 18, 2025.

    The party spokesman explained further that the NWC subsequently reviewed and adopted the White Paper on August 15, 2025, paving the way for Thursday’s decision.

    Those affected by the expulsion include Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam (former National Chairman) and Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu (former National Youth Leader). The National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi was relieved of his duties following his voluntary resignation.

    Others are: “Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, Abubakar Dogara, Nuraddeen Bisalla, Solsuema Osaro, Ambo Ekpeyong, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Humphrey Unwukaeze, and Judith Israel Shuaibu, who were accused of disloyalty and unlawful entry into the party’s national secretariat on July 28, 2025.

  • Oruruo assumes duty as new Enugu PDP chairman

    Oruruo assumes duty as new Enugu PDP chairman

    Hon. Steve Oruruo has assumed duty as the new acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State with a pledge to rebuild, reposition and reenergise the party following the recent defections of Governor Peter Mbah and other top members.

    Speaking during a briefing at the party’s secretariat in Enugu, Oruruo assured members and supporters that the PDP remains strong and united despite the political shake-up.

    “The intent of this gathering is to assure the people of Enugu, nay Nigeria, that PDP is still very much alive in Enugu State,” he declared. “We’re willing at the moment to rebuild the party in the face of the current defections of Governor Peter Mbah and other elected officials of the Enugu State Government.”

    Oruruo said his leadership would focus on galvanizing the party’s faithful to remain steadfast and committed to its ideals, noting that the party had faced similar challenges in other states and still stood firm.

    He promised to ensure credible conventions and primaries that would produce quality candidates capable of earning the trust and support of the electorate, emphasizing that the PDP is entering a new phase of renewal and renaissance.

    Read Also: ‘Enugu PDP will prove a point with Mbah’s exit’

    “We’re creating a sense of reawakening. Even in the face of persons leaving the party, it does not amount to the capitulation of the PDP,” he said. “If credible candidates emerge from our ranks, the public will rally behind them.”

    While acknowledging that the governor’s departure might have financial implications, Oruruo maintained that the will of the people would continue to drive the party’s strength and direction.

    He assured that under his watch, the PDP in Enugu would uphold fairness, equity, and a level playing field for all members, stressing that the party would remain independent and people-oriented.

    “We want to stand and create a party that will win elections. We’re building a PDP that is highly independent. We can’t win elections if we’re not independent,” Oruruo stated.

    On the relationship between the state and national leadership of the PDP, Oruruo called for greater inclusivity of the Southeast in the party’s national structure and decision-making process.

    “The Southeast must be encapsulated fully in everything that the PDP is doing at the national level,” he said. “Going forward, the Southeast must be included in all political calculations and permutations so that our people can remain resolute behind the party.”

    Oruruo, a former Commissioner for Information, vowed to lead with transparency, sincerity, and justice, adding that his goal is to build a stronger and more cohesive PDP capable of winning future elections.

    He concluded by reaffirming that the PDP in Enugu is “in pole position to accommodate the yearnings of our people”, as the party embarks on a fresh journey to restore its dominance in the state’s political landscape.

  • Edo LG Election: APC presents consensus candidate in Auchi 

    Edo LG Election: APC presents consensus candidate in Auchi 

    Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Auchi community, Etsako West Local Government have presented Hon Abubakar Igbei as its consensus candidate for next year’s local government elections in Edo State.

    The Edo APC primaries for local councils’ election have been scheduled for November 2025.

    A leader of the APC in Auchi , Chief Jim Garuba, Daodu of Usogun Village, who spoke in an interview, said the consensus to pick Igbei was arrived at a stakeholders meeting attended by members of other political parties.

    Read Also: Key figures in PDP, SDP, AA defect to Ondo APC

    He said the stakeholders agreed to woo Governor Monday Okpebholo and other leaders of the party to accept their consensus candidate.

    Chief Garuba described Hon Igbei as an established politician with a strong track record of community service.

    According to him: “Uzairue has already secured the senatorial seat through Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the APC state chairman, and has also received other key appointments.

    “We have remained ardent supporters of the APC and all her candidates including Comrade Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Governor Monday Okpebholo.”

  • ‘Symbol of unity’ Oborevwori deserves total support – Nick Ovuakporie

    ‘Symbol of unity’ Oborevwori deserves total support – Nick Ovuakporie

    As the 2027 elections draw near, Otunba Nick Ovuakporie, the Immediate Past State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta State and currently serving as Executive Assistant (Political) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has described the Governor as a symbol of unity, who deserves the support of all Deltans. 

    Ovuakporie, while commending the Delta APC stakeholders for unwavering backing, also condemned critics, urging the public to stand with the Governor in his quest to consolidate the M.O.R.E. Blueprint for Delta State’s future.  

    In a statement, Ovuakporie called on all discerning citizens to unite in condemning the harmful actions of naysayers and to celebrate the achievements of Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. agenda.  

    He said: “Politics has reached a critical juncture, marked by the unrelenting condemnation of the visible achievements of a government that has been tirelessly working to advance the development of a state. Since assuming office, Governor Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori has been at the forefront of a transformative journey, championing the state’s progress through deliberate actions that have earned accolades for a job well done.”  

    “Today, Delta State stands among the rapidly developing states of Sub-Saharan Africa, a testament to the Governor’s unwavering commitment to progress.”  

    “Development is a comprehensive endeavor that encompasses physical infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and human capital development. The Governor Sheriff’s More Agenda Administration has been built on this holistic approach, prioritizing need-based development and relentlessly working to eradicate the scourge of poverty.”  

    “It is indeed appropriate to acknowledge the Governor’s remarkable achievements. His efforts have given every Deltan a clear sense of pride in their identity, as the state’s landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation through major projects spread across the entire state.”  

    Ovuakporie listed a series of completed and ongoing projects across the state, which he believes serve as a testament to the Governor’s commitment and effectiveness. 

    “These projects have been implemented in various towns and communities, including Asaba, Warri, Kwale, Ughelli, Sapele, Abraka, Oghara, Akumazi, Ovrode, Orerokpe, Onicha-Ukwuani, Okpanam, Ugbolu, Ibusa, Agbarho, Agbor, Sapele, Ode-Itsekiri, Gbaramatu, Ekpan, and Udu, among many others.”  

    “The achievements of the Governor’s administration, rooted in the More Agenda blueprint, are driven by the core values of servant leadership, integrity, transparency, accountability, foresight, and selfless dedication.”  

    “These values are evident in the flagship projects of His Excellency’s More Administration, including the Asaba Waterfront City, the work on the stormwater drainage across critical areas in the State, particularly the one linking Nnebisi Road, Anwai Road, DBS Road, Shoprite axis, and Summit Road, which is steadily on course, bringing Asaba closer to lasting relief from perennial flooding.”  

    “Simultaneously, construction is advancing at Southern University, Orerokpe campus, School of Health Technology Ovrode, and the Government Technical College, Kiagbodo amongst others, with significant milestones already recorded, which is a testament to a Governor passionate about revolutionizing the length and breadth of the State through enduring development footprints.”  

    “From flood control, road infrastructure, healthcare to education, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is delivering projects designed to stand the test of time and transform communities across Delta State. The completion of the Asaba-Ogwah-Uku-Kwale-Isoko-Ughelli super highway, ongoing five flyovers, and three slipways in Warri, Effurun, Owian, Ughelli, and Agbor—three of which are at advanced stages of completion.”  

    “Countless intercity road projects, massive school infrastructure upgrades, and the construction and equipping of healthcare facilities are just a few of the many accomplishments that deserve recognition.”  

    He noted: “We must therefore unequivocally condemn those who have persistently launched media attacks on the More Administration from the shadows, seeking to mislead the public. Their actions are not only iniquitous but also detrimental to the progress of the state.”  

    “All discerning minds must unite in condemning such behavior, as we must promote the achievements of the More Agenda Administration and support Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for re-election in 2027 as the sole candidate to continue his infrastructure revolution.”  

    He urged Deltans to stand against the detractors who, according to Ovuakporie, are undermining the progress of a state that has already made significant strides under the Governor’s leadership.

  • 2027: Kogi West endorses Tinubu for re-election

    2027: Kogi West endorses Tinubu for re-election

    The Kogi West FGYB Legacy Group, comprising stakeholders from the seven Local Government Areas of Kogi West Senatorial District, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for re-election.

    The endorsement is contained in a communique at the end of a strategic meeting held in Kabba, Kogi State, on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

    The communique was signed by its Drafting Committee Chairman, Kingsley Olorunfemi Fanwo; Secretary, Tanko  Mohammed; and Member, Shaibu Ipinmisho on behalf of the group.

    The stakeholders unanimously passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, citing his bold economic reforms, efforts towards energy stability, and massive infrastructural development across the nation.

    They pledged over 90 percent of the votes from Kogi West Senatorial District in future elections, in recognition of his people-oriented leadership.

    The meeting commended Ododo for his impactful leadership and remarkable achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, and humanitarian development.

    The stakeholders particularly lauded the governor’s strategic approach to tackling security challenges across the State, especially in Kogi West, and for fostering peace and stability in all communities.

    READ ALSO: Quick steps to apply for NELFUND 2025/2026 student loan

    The meeting applauded the Governor for his ongoing and completed projects across Kogi West Senatorial District.

    These include: including massive projects at the Kogi State University, Kabba, the Model Secondary School, Okebukun, and the Township Road reconstruction projects in Mopa and Ayetoro Gbede.

    The stakeholders commended the take-off of projects at the U.K-funded College of Education (Technical), Mopa.

    They expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s personal visit to troubled areas and his efforts in ensuring security in the Senatorial District.

    The group called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens to support government efforts towards restoring and sustaining peace across Kogi State.

    They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the administrations of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo, pledging to mobilize citizens in support of government policies.

    The meeting commended security agencies for supporting Governor in ensuring security in District. Local hunters also commended for complementing security agencies in Kogi West.

    The stakeholders resolved that leaders of every LGA in Kogi West should mobilize people to participate in Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), and commended the stakeholders’ turnout.

    Earlier, during the meeting, the APC Chairman, Kogi State, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, said party is for progressive people with loyal leaders.

    He commended former Governor Yayaya Bello raising people at the grassroots and laid a solid foundation for the incumbent Gov Ahmed Ododo to build on.

     He emphasised that APC stakeholders meeting would strengthen the party in the state and the country at large.

    Bello urged members to be focused and united, and beware of inexperienced and self-centered politicians.

    The APC Chairman commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians urged party members sustain support for Tinubu and Gov. Ododo.

    The Commissioners: for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones; for Finance and Budget Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris; and for Environment and Ecological Management, Hon. Olusegun Joseph, spoke on behalf of Kabba-Bunu, Yagba East and Yagba West respectively, lauded Gov. Ododo and President Tinubu’s unprecedented achievements.

    The meeting was attended by all Commissioners, LG Chairmen, Assembly members, Federal Lawmakers and all former and present political appointees from Kogi West, as well as former Sen. Smart Adeyemi.

    Other Signatories for each of the seven LGAs are: Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly – Lokoja LGA; Cdr Jerry Omodara rtd, State Security Adviser – Kabba/Bunu; and Dr. Mrs Folashade  Ayoade – Secretary to the State Government  –  Yagba East.

     Others include: Hon. Kingsley Fanwo- Commissioner for Information and Communications – Mopamuro LGA; Engr. Bashir Gegu, Commissioner for Solid Minerals – Kogi LGA; Engr. Olusegun Joseph, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management – Yagba West; Dr. Helen Adeniyi, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology – Ijumu LGA.

  • Who gets Sule’s nod for Nasarawa 2027 governorship race?

    Who gets Sule’s nod for Nasarawa 2027 governorship race?

    By May 29, 2027, Governor Abdullahi Sule will have completed his two terms as the fourth civilian governor of Nasarawa State. In this report, our Nasarawa State Correspondent, LINUS OOTA, writes on the frontline aspirants and their hurdles.

    Already, political gladiators across party lines are gearing up — consulting, forging alliances, and testing the waters in Nasarawa State. Our correspondent gathered that no fewer than 28 politicians are currently showing interest in the Nasarawa State governorship race on the platform of the ruling APC. But questions remain about the rush to make a visible impression on the APC governorship scene.

    What do they really want? Why such an unwieldy number for one office? Has the governorship become an all-comers affair? Is the motivation truly love for the state, personal aggrandisement, or sheer ambition? How many of these aspirants have the capacity to win a competitive election or manage a state with diverse interests like Nasarawa?

    How will the ruling party manage this huge number of hopefuls ready to succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule without triggering a crisis that could even hurt the party? The questions are endless, but the days ahead will tell us as consultations intensify.

    Prominent among those angling to succeed Governor Sule on the APC platform are the incumbent Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and Senator representing Nasarawa West, Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, and the Nasarawa State Accountant General, Dr Musa Ahmed Mohammed.

    Others include the former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; former Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib; and the immediate past Executive Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, among several others.

    Factors that shape the contest:

    Several factors are expected to shape the emergence of the next Governor of Nasarawa State. Chief among them is the strong agitation for power to shift to the Nasarawa West Senatorial District, the zone many party stakeholders believe should produce the next governor.

    The agitation is strong because, in 1999, the state’s first civilian governor, Abdullahi Adamu, from Nasarawa West, governed for eight years. Power then shifted to Nasarawa South, where Aliyu Akwe Doma served for four years, followed by Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, also from the South, who governed for another eight years — making it 12 uninterrupted years for the southern zone.

    In 2019, Al-Makura handed over to the incumbent governor, Abdullahi Sule from Nasarawa North, who will complete eight years in 2027. For fairness and balance, many argue that power should return to Nasarawa West in 2027, especially since most aspirants are from that zone.

    Another major factor is the influence of former governors Abdullahi Adamu and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, both of whom remain key stakeholders in the state’s politics and are expected to play crucial roles in determining who clinches the party’s ticket.

    The presidency’s influence could also be decisive, potentially tipping the scales in favour of a candidate aligned with its interests.

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    Lastly, there is the influence of Governor Abdullahi Sule, whose endorsement and behind-the-scenes manoeuvring will likely shape alliances and the eventual outcome of the APC governorship primaries.

    Fortunately, both Wadada and the Accountant General are close allies of the governor, and he would be comfortable with either if he decides to back one of them. Both have the capacity, popularity, and statewide support base to win the general election against any opposition candidate from the PDP or ADC.

    Our correspondent reliably gathered that the APC governorship ticket is shaping up to be a straight fight between two strong aspirants — Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada and Dr Musa Ahmed Mohammed, the Accountant General of the State.

    Aliyu Ahmed Wadada:

    Having recently resigned from the SDP in preparation to rejoin the APC, Senator Wadada is gaining significant traction. Many political analysts believe the tide is gradually tilting in his favour. A former two-term member of the House of Representatives, Wadada is seen by many as the APC’s best chance to retain power in Nasarawa State.

    He enjoys massive grassroots support and is described by many as the heartbeat of Nasarawa politics. Speaking with our correspondent, Wadada said he is confident of becoming the next governor by the special grace of God.

    “I have had the intention to govern the state from birth, and I first declared my intention in 2019. By the grace of God, I’m gunning for the governorship of Nasarawa in 2027 because, based on my record of public service and God’s mercies upon me, I have all it takes to be governor,” he said.

    Wadada commands political gravitas and has a strong record of performance, both as a senator and as a former House of Representatives member. However, some still perceive him as arrogant and overly independent-minded — traits that, while controversial, have arguably enhanced his standing in the race.

    He considers this project a lifelong ambition and has made it clear that he won’t back down for anyone. He strongly supported Governor Sule’s elections in both 2019 and 2023, earning a reputation for loyalty and resilience.

    Musa Ahmed Mohammed:

    The Nasarawa State Accountant-General and two-term former Speaker of the State House of Assembly has kept his ambition close to his chest but is quietly building strong momentum through high-powered consultations across the state.

    Dr Musa’s credentials are impressive. A PhD holder and seasoned accountant, he is widely described as a diligent, resourceful, and prudent public administrator. Having served as Accountant General for about three years under Governor Sule, he is deeply familiar with the workings of government and is considered part of Sule’s success story.

    If Governor Sule wants continuity of his administration’s legacies, Dr Musa Ahmed Mohammed appears to be he ideal candidate. His emergence would ensure stability and sustain the progressive governance trajectory the state has witnessed over the past 16 years.

    He brings credibility, experience, and maturity, having previously served as Speaker and now as Accountant General. A close ally of Governor Sule, Dr Musa combines deep financial expertise with legislative experience and is seen as capable of consolidating Sule’s achievements.

    He has also been rallying former Assembly members and enjoys significant goodwill across the political spectrum.

    The hurdles:

    The biggest obstacle for these two leading aspirants is whether the two former governors — Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura — will support them.

    Between 2011 and 2015, during Al-Makura’s tenure, Dr Musa was Speaker under the PDP and spearheaded an impeachment move against him. It took divine intervention for Al-Makura to survive the attempt. Years later, Dr Musa publicly apologised to Al-Makura for the episode, expressing regret that the crisis slowed down development and disrupted peace in the state.

    Whether Senator Al-Makura will now fully support someone who once tried to remove him as governor remains uncertain.

    Senator Wadada, on the other hand, has a long history of political disagreement with former Governor Abdullahi Adamu. Their feud peaked in 2015 when Wadada, then a PDP senatorial candidate, contested against Adamu of the APC. Though he reportedly won, Wadada withdrew his case after family intervention.

    Adamu has since been accused of frustrating Wadada’s political ambitions — most notably in 2023 when, as APC national chairman, he denied Wadada the senatorial ticket, prompting Wadada to defect to the SDP, where he eventually won.

    As the 2027 APC governorship primary approaches, there is still no clear sign that Senator Abdullahi Adamu will support Wadada’s bid.

    Nonetheless, many political watchers believe both Adamu and Al-Makura — who wield enormous influence — may eventually set aside past rivalries and support either Wadada or the Accountant General if Governor Sule throws his weight behind one of them.

    Mohammed Sani Haruna:

    The former NASENI boss has declared his intention to run for governor but has yet to attract significant attention. Known more as a technocrat than a politician, his ambition currently lacks the momentum and structure of the leading contenders.

    Faisal Shuaib:

    The former NPHCDA executive secretary is also in the race, though his aspiration appears weak. He has a poor reputation for accessibility and failed to deliver his local government (Toto) to Governor Sule in 2023 — a development many see as proof of his limited political influence. His campaign has yet to gain meaningful traction.

    Mohammed Adamu:

    The former Inspector General of Police is another APC aspirant, though his ambition remains hard to read. His strength appears concentrated only in Lafia LGA, and he faces the challenge of zoning, which does not favour his district. Despite ongoing consultations, it remains uncertain how much support he can gather from key stakeholders.

    The indigene factor:

    One lingering challenge facing most of the APC aspirants — including Senator Wadada, Dr Musa Ahmed, Dr Faisal Shuaib, and Mohammed Adamu — is the growing sentiment that none are “core indigenes” of Nasarawa State. This factor may become decisive, especially as calls intensify for a true indigene to emerge as governor in 2027.