The political contest ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa State has intensified following rejection of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s endorsement of Senator Ahmed Aliyu-Wadada and a separate declaration of interest by former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar-Adamu.
A group under the Forum of National Youth Presidents and Ethnic Nationalities in Nasarawa State has faulted Governor Sule’s decision to name Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District, as his preferred successor.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lafia, the forum’s coordinating chairman, Silas Dauda Yileni, said the governor made the announcement without wide consultation with ethnic nationalities and key stakeholders.
He said findings by the group showed that critical stakeholders were excluded from the decision, stressing that while the governor has the right to express preference, candidates must emerge through a transparent and democratic primary process.
Yileni referenced the 2019 governorship election, noting that a more open process allowed multiple aspirants to contest before the emergence of the current governor.
The group described the endorsement as “disturbing” and demanded a level playing field for all APC aspirants, while warning against candidate imposition.
It also insisted that zoning is not a constitutional requirement in Nasarawa politics and called for inclusivity in the selection process, adding that only an indigenous candidate should emerge across parties.
Ex-IGP Vow To Defeat Wadada
In a related development, former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar-Adamu has expressed confidence in his chances of defeating Senator Aliyu-Wadada if the APC conducts free and fair primaries.
Speaking through his campaign team at a rally in Karu Local Government Area, supporters said the former police chief enjoys wide acceptance across the state.
The campaign’s Director of Operations, Adams Useni, urged the APC national leadership to ensure credible primaries, insisting that Adamu remains a strong contender for the party’s ticket.
He also said Adamu’s security background would help tackle insecurity in the state if elected governor.
The Director of Contact and Mobilisation, Isa Nathaniel, claimed the campaign has received backing from over 3,000 groups, describing Adamu as “the man to beat” in the race.
Nathaniel dismissed Governor Sule’s endorsement of Wadada as a personal opinion, insisting it would not influence the outcome of the APC primary election.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.