Former governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Faisal Shuaib, has officially stepped down from the 2027 race, declaring his support for Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, the preferred candidate of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Shuaib, a former Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, made the announcement on Monday in Lafia during a world press conference, following consultations with stakeholders across the state’s 13 local government areas.
“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.
He addressed supporters, acknowledging their commitment and sacrifices throughout his campaign. “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.”
Shuaib also commended media supporters for amplifying his message. “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.”
Consensus Efforts and Party Unity
Explaining the decision, Shuaib said it followed a consultative meeting convened by Governor Sule, where eight aspirants from the Nasarawa West senatorial zone attempted to agree on a consensus candidate.
“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 said.
He added that although the governor’s eventual choice did not satisfy all aspirants, he remained committed to honouring his earlier pledge. “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.”
Describing the decision as one of the most difficult in his political career, Shuaib urged his supporters across the state’s three senatorial zones to remain calm and align with 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.
He also extended support to Wadada, saying, “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.”
Shuaib reaffirmed that his withdrawal does not signal the end of his political engagement or service to the people.
“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 said.
He further called on Nigerians to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting the challenges facing the country.
“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.
