Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in the Southern Senatorial Zone of the state have urged a former Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Faisal Shuaib, not to abandon his 2027 governorship ambition.
This call is coming despite the endorsement of Senator Ahmed Wadada by Governor Abdullahi Sule as his preferred successor in 2027.
The stakeholders noted that despite Sule’s decision to appoint Wadada, who currently represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, as his preferred successor, they were fully behind the former NPHCDA boss due to his track record in politics and governance.
PUNCH Online reports that if Faisal agrees to go ahead with the contest, he would be participating in the direct primaries of the party slated for May 21, 2026, in the state alongside Wadada; former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; among others.
Speaking with journalists shortly after a mega rally in Lafia, the state capital, on Saturday, one of the notable stakeholders and a youth leader of the APC in the state, Elayo Confidence, noted that the governor’s decision to support an aspirant is not expected to stop any other aspirant from contesting the governorship position in 2027.
He further explained that Faisal had been contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of the state even before joining active politics, hence the reason for declaring their full support for him to contest the 2027 governorship election.
The youth leader appreciated the leadership of the party for adopting direct primary elections for the 2026 primaries in the state, describing the action of the party as power returning to the citizens, including the privileged and the underprivileged.
Confidence expressed optimism that with the new development, there would no longer be fears of imposition of candidates, noting that it is an opportunity for politicians in the state to test their popularity.
“Dr Faisal Shuaib has done a lot for the people of Nasarawa State, and we feel that if he becomes the governor in 2027, he will do better for the people. He has all that we need in a leader. He is a servant-leader who is experienced, grassroots-based and people-centric.
“Despite the current political happenings in the state, we as stakeholders of the party from the Southern zone of the state are here to encourage him not to give up because we have great confidence in his abilities to take Nasarawa State to greater heights,” he emphasised.
Also speaking, Amina Sani, a 76-year-old woman leader, while expressing confidence in the leadership capability of Dr Faisal Shuaib, urged young residents of the state to look for competent and reliable politicians who will deliver on promises made ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I have seen this, my brother, as a good man who can do it. He is not just saying it, but he is trustworthy. So, we will be with him till the end.
“You can see how we all walked in the rain despite the downpour. Our love for him is total and unconditional because at my age, I am not after money but sustainable leadership for my grandchildren,” she said.
PUNCH Online reports that during the event, which was attended by no fewer than 5,000 supporters of the DFS campaign team, Faisal expressed gratitude to the residents of the state who believe in his leadership skills and capabilities.
He thanked the APC stakeholders and his supporters for defying the torrential rain to welcome him to the Southern zone of the state in conclusion of his statewide consultation tour on his 2027 governorship ambition since the governor’s endorsement of his preferred successor.
Addressing the crowd from the Southern zone, which includes Lafia, Doma, Awe, Keana and Obi Local Government Areas, Shuaib thanked them for demonstrating resilience and uncommon faith in him, noting that the visit was not to campaign but to pay tribute to the people of the zone for their unflinching support.
“This time again, I have to thank each and every one of you for your support, thank our leaders, and assure you that better days are ahead. I have heard your calls. I thank you very sincerely, and I will respond accordingly as soon as possible,” he said.
PUNCH Online further reports that the former Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency visited Akwanga LGA, the headquarters of the Northern zone of the state, on Thursday to get the opinions of his supporters on his governorship ambition and to appreciate them for their loyalty and dedication to him and his political ideology.
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