A governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Nasarawa State, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, has formally withdrawn from the 2027 race, throwing his full support behind Governor Abdullahi Sule’s preferred successor, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada.
Shuaib, a former Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, announced his decision on Monday in Lafia, the state capital, during a World Press Conference after days of consultations with supporters and stakeholders across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state, since the governor’s endorsement of Wadada.
Addressing journalists, party leaders and supporters, Shuaib said his decision, though difficult, was guided by his commitment to party unity and the need to uphold his word.
“I am formally withdrawing from the contest for the APC governorship ticket in Nasarawa State. I throw my full weight, the weight of my structure, and the weight of my conviction behind the preferred candidate of the Governor, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada,” he said.
Speaking to his vast supporters, Shuaib said, “I am deeply humbled by the collective strength behind this movement: the young, the old, the sick and the healthy, people living with disabilities, students, hardworking men and women across the length and breadth of our dear state. I am especially moved by the prayers of young children, offered day and night, and by the overwhelming support from far and near, reaching out to all and sundry to appreciate and believe in the vision.
“I also extend profound appreciation to those who have amplified our messages through the use of conventional and digital media platforms. Your dedication to telling our story, shaping the narrative, and ensuring that this vision reaches every home has been instrumental in building and strengthening this movement.”
He explained that the decision followed a consultative meeting convened by Governor Sule, where eight aspirants from the Nasarawa West zone were asked to agree on a consensus candidate ahead of the primaries.
According to him, efforts by the aspirants to reach a common ground failed, prompting them to return to the governor to make a final decision.
“We tried, in good faith, but the truth is that we could not arrive at a single name by our own hands, so we undertook that we would rally behind whomever he chooses,” he narrated.
He noted that although the announcement of Wadada as the preferred candidate did not come easily to all aspirants, he chose to honour his earlier commitment.
“I gave my word that I would support whomever His Excellency Governor Abdullahi Sule presented. That word was not given for the easy day; it was given precisely so it would hold on the difficult one,” he added.
Shuaib acknowledged the sacrifices of his supporters, describing the consultations leading to his withdrawal as “the hardest of my political life.”
He, however, urged his supporters across the three senatorial zones of the state to remain calm and rally behind the party’s direction.
“I ask you to lift your eyes above the disappointment of this moment toward the larger purpose we have always served: the unity of our party,” he appealed.
Shuaib further extended a hand of partnership to Senator Wadada, assuring that he will not walk the journey alone.
“To Senator Wadada, I extend my hand in partnership and my prayers for the road ahead. The task is consequential, and the people deserve every ounce of devotion,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria, stressing that his withdrawal does not mark the end of his service.
“My commitment to Nasarawa State, to the APC, and to the service of our people does not end on this podium. It only takes a different shape,” he stated.
While paying tribute to past and present leaders of the state for laying the foundation of its development, Shuaib called on Nigerians to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“These are demanding times for our nation. I call on Nigerians to give these policies the time they require, with the understanding that real change rarely arrives on the timeline we might wish for,” he explained.
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