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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Amid Governor Sule’s endorsement of Senator Aliyu Wadada as his preferred candidate to succeed him, Dr Faisal Shuaib, former executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and a national figure in Nigeria’s public health space, has formally entered the Nasarawa State governorship race. He declared his intention to contest in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
Shuaib made his declaration on Thursday in Akwanga Local Government Area during a stakeholders’ convergence that drew women’s groups, youth organisations, political mobilisers, and grassroots coordinators from across the state.
The gathering, described by participants as a “consensus-building forum”, quickly transformed into a political endorsement arena as speaker after speaker urged the former health administrator to step forward and offer himself for leadership.
Responding to the calls, Shuaib accepted the challenge, describing his decision as a moral and spiritual obligation tied to the collective aspirations of the people of Nasarawa State.
“I am deeply humbled by this show of confidence,” he said. “This call to serve is not just political; it is an oath before God to work for the welfare, unity, and prosperity of our dear state.”
He stressed that leadership must be anchored on accountability and inclusive governance, adding that his ambition would prioritise human capital development, healthcare strengthening, and economic opportunities for youths and women.
Shuaib disclosed that reports reaching him indicated widespread mobilisation by his supporters across the 13 local government areas of the state, a development he described as both encouraging and a responsibility.
“I have been reliably informed that our supporters have registered massively across the state. This is not just support, it is a responsibility that I must not take lightly,” he noted.
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He further assured party faithful that he would run an issue-based campaign rooted in competence, transparency, and service delivery, rather than political rhetoric.
Earlier, several stakeholders at the meeting commended Shuaib for accepting what they termed a “clarion call,” insisting that his track record in public service positioned him as a credible alternative in the unfolding political contest.
A youth leader at the forum said, “We believe Dr Faisal represents a new direction. His exposure and experience will bring innovation and purposeful leadership to Nasarawa State.”
A woman’s leader at the gathering described his entry into the race as timely, noting that “the state needs a leader who understands both governance and the human side of development.”
However, the meeting was not without concerns, as some party members raised questions over the delay in the distribution of membership registration slips to newly registered members of the APC.
One stakeholder expressed worry, saying, “Many of our people registered months ago but have not received their slips. This could affect participation in the primaries if not urgently addressed.”
The stakeholders collectively urged the party leadership to expedite the distribution process, stressing that the slips are essential for accreditation and participation in the forthcoming primaries.
They emphasised that a transparent and inclusive process would strengthen internal democracy within the party and ensure that all eligible members can exercise their voting rights.
The Sun reports that the development signals an early intensification of political activities within the Nasarawa APC, as more aspirants are expected to declare interest in the coming weeks, setting the stage for what observers predict will be a keenly contested primary election.
