The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Nasarawa State in the 2027 election, Senator Ahmed Wadada, on Thursday placed energy and mineral development at the centre of his development blueprint, saying the state’s natural resources and new electricity opportunities could transform its economy.
Wadada unveiled his five point HEART agenda after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he also defended the administration’s economic record and pledged to build on the achievements of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
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The agenda draws attention to sectors that he believes can shape Nasarawa’s future as political activities gather pace ahead of the next election.
As preparations for the 2027 governorship race continues, aspirants are beginning to present policy priorities instead of campaign slogans.
Wadada used his first public outline of his programme to explain how he intends to build on existing investments while identifying sectors he considers central to the state’s economic future.
Energy and minerals as targets
Wadada said his development plan is built around the acronym HEART, with each letter representing a major area of governance.
He explained that H stands for human capital development, covering education and healthcare.
He said E represents energy and mineral resources, which he identified as one of the strongest opportunities available to Nasarawa State.
Wadada noted that the Electricity Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, now gives states room to generate electricity, creating opportunities to improve power supply.
He also pointed to Nasarawa’s position in the mining sector, noting that the state hosts Nigeria’s first and second lithium processing plants.
“In today’s world, there is virtually nothing you can achieve significantly without energy.
“And if you talk mineral resources, you are talking Nasarawa State; they are synonymous,” he said.
The APC candidate explained that A stands for agriculture and the green economy. He said he intends to establish three agricultural hubs, one in each senatorial district, with each centre focusing on the agricultural strength of its location.
He said R represents rural and urban development, while T stands for trade, investment and security.
Wadada said the five pillars together form a structured programme that reflects his vision for the state.
Candidate backs Tinubu’s economy, promises continuity
Wadada also used the occasion to assess the country’s economy since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
He said major economic indicators had improved over the period, pointing to foreign reserves, the exchange rate system, the balance of payments, the balance of trade, capital market capitalisation and infrastructure delivery.
“If the truth should and must be said, let us look at all the indicators. All the indicators that show economic growth and development of a system are all looking very glaringly promising and brighter than what they were.”
He noted that although progress had been made, more work was still needed.
“That is not to say all is well. Much more needs to be done. But for anybody to sit down and wish away this administration, then that person is either ignorant, not realistic, or an open enemy, because opposition is different from being an enemy.”
Wadada also promised to build on the record of Governor Abdullahi Sule, whom he credited with expanding the state’s economic potential.
“There cannot be any mediocrity after a Sule. The present administration in Nasarawa State has raised the bar, broadened and deepened the scope of what Nasarawa State is.
“So much is expected of me, and God willing, we shall deliver.”
He also referred to the historical importance of the Keffi Emirate, saying its influence once extended to the area now occupied by the Presidential Villa.
“My emirate, the Keffi Emirate, used to collect taxes up to this point. So we have a lot to showcase and put out there for Nasarawa State.”
Wadada maintained that his time with people in the state had given him a clear understanding of their priorities.
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