Lafia, Nasarawa State – Dr Faisal Shuaib, former chief executive officer of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Nasarawa State and endorsed Senator Ahmed Wadada, the governor’s preferred successor.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday in the state capital, Shuaib said his decision stemmed from a commitment made at an earlier meeting with fellow aspirants from the Nasarawa West Senatorial District and Governor Abdullahi Sule. The gathering, he explained, was convened to produce a consensus candidate who would represent the zone in the party’s primary.
“Several weeks ago the governor summoned the eight aspirants from Nasarawa West and asked us to deliberate among ourselves and emerge with a single candidate,” Shuaib said. “Despite numerous discussions, we could not reach a consensus. Consequently, we returned to the governor and asked him to make the determination, promising to rally behind his choice.”
Two weeks later, Governor Sule reconvened the stakeholders and announced Senator Ahmed Wadada as his preferred candidate for the APC ticket. Shuaib reaffirmed his pledge to support the governor’s selection, stating that he would withdraw his own candidacy and throw “the full weight of my structure and my conviction” behind Wadada.
“I remain committed to the strength we have built across the state,” Shuaib added. “I urge my supporters to receive the next steps with open hearts, and to give this new chapter the same loyalty, energy and prayers they gave me.”
Shuaib’s withdrawal is expected to consolidate the western zone’s backing for Wadada ahead of the APC’s gubernatorial primary, scheduled for later this year. The party’s internal negotiations have been closely watched, as Nasarawa’s 2027 gubernatorial race could influence the balance of power in Nigeria’s north-central region.
The APC’s nomination process will now focus on the remaining contenders from other senatorial districts, with the governor’s endorsement of Wadada likely to shape both campaign dynamics and voter alignment. Observers note that unified support from Nasarawa West could enhance Wadada’s prospects in a contested primary, while also signaling the party’s adherence to its consultative tradition.
The outcome of the primary will determine the APC’s candidate for the November 2027 state elections, a contest that will decide whether the incumbent party retains control of Nasarawa State’s governorship.
