Nasarawa South APC Stakeholders Eye Deputy Governor Slot Ahead of 2027 Polls

Key figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Nasarawa South Senatorial District in Nasarawa State have publicly advocated for the zone to secure the party's deputy governorship nomination leading up to the 2027 general elections. Their rationale is that with Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, the APC's gubernatorial candidate, hailing from Nasarawa West Senatorial District, selecting the deputy from the Southern Senatorial District would significantly bolster the APC's prospects of clinching victory in the 2027 governorship race.

This stance was formally documented in a communiqué, endorsed by the convener, Ayuba Umbugadu, and subsequently released to the press following a crucial meeting of Nasarawa South APC stakeholders held last Saturday in Lafia, the state capital. The communiqué indicated that the gathering's primary objective was to discuss matters impacting the APC's electoral viability and its political trajectory in anticipation of the 2027 governorship contest. Umbugadu disclosed that participants at the meeting critically assessed the political climate in the state, stressing the vital importance of inclusiveness, proven competence, widespread grassroots support, unwavering party loyalty, and overall electoral strength when choosing a running mate.

He further noted that the stakeholders recognized Senator Wadada's increasing popularity and broad acceptance as the APC's gubernatorial flagbearer and a frontrunner for the upcoming polls. Governor Abdullahi Sule also received commendation for his leadership, which they characterized as purposeful, his steadfast commitment to infrastructure projects, his efforts in fostering peace, and his dedication to the cohesion and advancement of Nasarawa State.

Furthermore, the group formally endorsed Dr. Joseph Haruna Kigbu, a former House of Representatives member representing the Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency, as their favoured choice for the APC deputy governorship slot in the run-up to the 2027 election. The communiqué detailed that after thorough discussions, the stakeholders reached a unanimous consensus that Dr. Kigbu possessed the highest qualifications, widespread acceptance, and strategic positioning to effectively serve as Senator Wadada’s running mate. A portion of the communiqué explicitly stated:

“That APC critical stakeholders and party loyalists from Nasarawa South Senatorial District unanimously endorse Hon. Dr Joseph Haruna Kigbu as their sole and preferred choice for the position of deputy governorship candidate. That while respecting the aspirations and democratic rights of other interested contenders, this meeting firmly believes that no other aspirant presently commands the level of grassroots acceptance, statewide goodwill, political experience, and cross-ethnic and religious appeal enjoyed by Dr Joseph Haruna Kigbu. That a Wadada-Kigbu ticket represents the strongest political combination capable of delivering overwhelming victory for the APC in the 2027 governorship election and significantly strengthening the party’s chances in other elective positions across the state. That this meeting firmly believes that the emergence of Hon. Dr Joseph Haruna Kigbu as running mate to Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada will not only strengthen the party’s chances of winning the governorship election but also lay a solid foundation for sustained electoral success in the state.”

Umbugadu mentioned that various individuals from Nasarawa State, particularly from both the Southern and Northern senatorial districts, had expressed interest in the deputy governorship slot and were actively engaging with stakeholders to secure the nomination. He added that following a thorough evaluation of all hopefuls, the stakeholders collectively determined that Kigbu, affectionately known as Likitan Talakawa, stood out as the most acceptable, seasoned, broadly supported, and strategically apt candidate for the role.

The communiqué also contained a direct appeal: “That we respectfully call on His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, the State Chairman of the APC, members of the State Executive Committee, and all relevant stakeholders involved in the party’s decision-making process to consider the overwhelming preference of the people and endorse Dr Joseph Haruna Kigbu as the APC deputy governorship candidate. That this endorsement represents the collective and unanimous position of APC critical stakeholders and party loyalists drawn from various communities and ethnic nationalities across Nasarawa North, Nasarawa South and Nasarawa West Senatorial Districts.”

Previously, Ahmed Uba-Arikya, a prominent APC stakeholder from the area and the incumbent Deputy Chairman of Lafia Local Government Council, lauded Governor Sule for overseeing what he termed a transparent procedure that led to the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate. Uba-Arikya highlighted that the governor's significant development initiatives have benefited all five local government areas within the Southern Senatorial District: Lafia, Doma, Keana, Obi, and Awe. He further reiterated the dedication of both the stakeholders and party members to the core tenets of progress and accountability, which he asserted have been hallmarks of the present state administration.