By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, political activity in Nasarawa North Senatorial District is intensifying, with stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) unanimously endorsing Governor Abdullahi Sule for the senatorial seat. This move comes amid quiet but strategic consultations by aspirants from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and other political parties.
The central question gaining momentum across the zone remains: Who will emerge victorious among the leading contenders—incumbent Governor Abdullahi Sule, sitting Senator Godiya Akwashiki (SDP), and former Deputy Governor Micheal Abdul?
The field of possible aspirants is gradually expanding. Notable names being speculated include former Minister of Information and 2019 APGA gubernatorial candidate, Labaran Maku; PDP stalwarts such as Nathaniel Aya-Akwashiki, Benbella Madaki, and Nathaniel Aboki, among others who, although yet to officially declare, are said to be nursing ambitions for the coveted seat.
APC Stakeholders Rally Behind Governor Sule
At a high-level APC stakeholders meeting held in Akwanga, the headquarters of Akwanga LGA, former Secretary to the State Government, Timothy Anjide, announced a unanimous vote of confidence in Governor Sule, citing his transformative leadership and achievements, including the ongoing Akwanga flyover and underpass project.
Anjide said the call for Sule to represent the district in the National Assembly is based on his unwavering commitment to peace and security, particularly his success in curbing kidnapping, banditry, and communal clashes across Nasarawa North.
“Stakeholders are united in their call for Governor Sule to represent Nasarawa North in the Senate, as a continuation of his impactful leadership,” Anjide said, adding that APC members remain loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom they also endorsed for a second term.
Clarifying the Governor’s Position
Amid growing speculation, Suleiman Musa-Nagogo, Director-General of the State’s Bureau for Pension Administration, told APC stakeholders in Wamba LGA that Governor Sule had expressed a desire to contest for the senatorial seat in 2027. Nagogo said the governor had even set up a committee to begin grassroots mobilisation across the district.
“The governor has the capacity, political insight, and leadership track record to represent Nasarawa North in the Senate. This is our project in Wamba, and we must champion it,” he stated.
Nagogo cited Sule’s achievements across sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, and mineral exploration, as proof of his readiness for the legislative role.
However, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra, promptly refuted the claim. He said the governor has not declared interest in contesting for the Senate and has not mandated anyone to do so on his behalf.
“Despite pressure from supporters, Governor Sule has maintained his position that he is not running for Senate in 2027,” Addra clarified.
SDP, PDP Also Strategising
Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who currently represents the zone, left the APC for the SDP in 2022, citing manipulation of the party’s delegate list. He later won re-election on the SDP platform and remains a formidable force in the district.
“I left the APC because of the doctored delegate list. I had to respond to my supporters’ call and join a party where I could pursue my ambition freely,” Akwashiki explained.
Meanwhile, PDP State Chairman Adamu Bako Ninga declared that the party is regrouping, asserting that PDP remains strong in Nasarawa and will contest every seat vigorously in 2027.
“We are not afraid of any candidate. Our structure is intact. Our senatorial candidate will emerge through a free and open primary process,” Ninga said.
He ruled out any consensus arrangement, stating that PDP will allow every aspirant to test their popularity.
The Road Ahead
Other political figures and government officials, including Commissioners Kwanta Yakubu (Youth and Sports) and Mohammed Agah Muluku (Water Resources and Rural Development), as well as former Senator John Danboyi and engineer Tony Bala Shammah, have reiterated their support for APC’s continued dominance in the district.
Former development area administrator Obed Gomna joined the growing list of those urging Sule to accept the senatorial call.
“We are on our knees begging Governor Sule to accept the call. He has done more than any other governor in terms of completing abandoned projects and promoting peace across the state,” he said.
Gomna added that the governor’s infrastructural strides—especially the ongoing Akwanga flyover, completed Keffi flyover, and improved road networks—have endeared him to the people.
As the political temperature continues to rise, the coming months will reveal whether Governor Sule will heed the call or if the contest will be left open to other strong contenders from both the ruling and opposition parties.
One thing is clear—Nasarawa North Senatorial District will be one of the most closely watched races in 2027.