By Sam Israel
The political landscape in Nasarawa State received another significant development on Saturday as the Alago nation declared its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada and his running mate, Emmanuel Michael Umbugadu, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The declaration was made at the Pilot Central Primary School, Obi, where a large gathering of Alago stakeholders, political leaders, women, youths and supporters converged to demonstrate their solidarity with the APC governorship team. The venue was reportedly filled to capacity, with traditional drummers and cultural groups arriving early to add colour to the gathering.
Speaking at the occasion, the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor and political leader of the Alago nation, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, declared the readiness of the Alago people to mobilise massively in support of Senator Wadada and Umbugadu in the 2027 election.
Akabe said the Alago people had examined the political situation in the state and reached the conclusion that the APC candidates possessed the capacity to succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule and sustain the development direction of the state. His declaration adds another important dimension to the continuing mobilisation around the APC ticket.
The Deputy Governor’s intervention is particularly notable given his standing within the Alago political community and his role in the current administration. The Alago APC Forum has previously recognised Akabe’s political leadership and contribution to the administration of Governor Sule.
Responding to the declaration, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu expressed appreciation to the entire Alago nation for the confidence reposed in him and his running mate. He also commended Dr Akabe for what he described as his leadership and guidance of the Alago people in the political affairs of the state.
Wadada assured the people of Nasarawa State that an administration under his leadership would operate on the principle of equal opportunity, stressing that every citizen, irrespective of ethnic, religious or geographical background, would have a place in his development agenda.
He described the Alago people as an educated and politically conscious community, saying their history and contributions to Nasarawa State would not be ignored. He promised that the interests and legitimate expectations of the Alago people would receive appropriate attention within the framework of an inclusive government.
Explaining his HEARTS development agenda, Wadada said his administration would seek to consolidate and upgrade the achievements recorded under Governor Abdullahi Sule. The APC candidate has previously presented a development blueprint covering key areas of governance and economic development, including agriculture, infrastructure, human capital and other sectors.
Wadada also paid tribute to past Alago leaders and elders, noting that their contributions to the political and socioeconomic development of the state remained part of the community’s enduring legacy. He said their achievements should be documented and preserved for future generations.
The APC candidate further called on voters to assess all candidates seeking political office on the basis of their records, programmes and capacity to deliver. According to him, the electorate should ask candidates to demonstrate what they have achieved in the past and clearly explain what they intend to accomplish in the future.
His message effectively placed emphasis on performance and accountability as important considerations in the 2027 political debate. Wadada has similarly been campaigning on his legislative experience, having served in the House of Representatives and Senate before emerging as the APC governorship candidate.
Wadada also appealed to Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing what he described as the administration’s performance in Nasarawa State and Nigeria. That appeal formed part of his broader argument for continuity between the federal, state and political structures of the APC.
In his remarks, the APC Chairman in Nasarawa State, Dr Aliyu Bello, called on party supporters and the electorate to ensure that the 2027 elections were conducted peacefully. He urged voters to come out in large numbers while warning against violence and actions capable of disrupting the electoral process.
Bello described the APC as a peaceful political organisation and appealed to party members, supporters and other political actors to conduct their campaigns responsibly. His call comes against the backdrop of the increasing political activities across Nasarawa State as the 2027 election approaches.
The Chairman’s appeal for peaceful political participation was echoed by the broader message of the gathering, which centred on mobilisation, unity and support for the APC ticket. The party’s leadership has continued to emphasise grassroots engagement as the election season approaches.
The Chairman of Obi Local Government Council, Mohammed Sani K.K., in his welcome address, assured the gathering that stakeholders across the local government would mobilise their various wards in support of the APC candidates. He expressed confidence in the ability of the party’s structures to translate the gathering’s enthusiasm into grassroots political organisation.
Other speakers, including Senator Salihu Egyebola, Dr Sarki Ibrahim and David Ayewa, also commended the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule. They cited employment initiatives and other measures which, in their assessment, had contributed to improving the living conditions of residents across the state.
The occasion also witnessed a major philanthropic gesture from Senator Wadada, who donated ₦10 million to the organising committee. The donation added a further dimension to an event already characterised by cultural displays, political mobilisation and expressions of support.
Senator Wadada arrived at the venue with his running mate, Emmanuel Michael Umbugadu, members of his campaign organisation, members of the Keffi Eminent Elites and other aides and political associates.
The appearance of Wadada and Umbugadu together further underscored the APC’s effort to present a unified governorship ticket as the party prepares for the 2027 contest. The duo were formally unveiled as the APC governorship and deputy governorship candidates after consultations among party stakeholders.
The Obi declaration represents another development in the expanding political mobilisation around the APC ticket. In August, Umbugadu himself publicly expressed support for Wadada and praised aspects of Governor Sule’s administration, including infrastructure, healthcare, education and empowerment initiatives.
For the Alago community, Saturday’s gathering was more than a political meeting. It provided a platform for community leaders and supporters to publicly articulate their position ahead of an election that is expected to generate intense competition across Nasarawa State.
As the 2027 contest gathers momentum, endorsements such as the one announced in Obi will become part of the broader political conversation. Ultimately, however, the strength of every political declaration will be tested through sustained grassroots organisation, public debate, candidate programmes and, at the appropriate time, the decision of voters at the ballot box.
For Senator Ahmed Wadada and Emmanuel Umbugadu, the Alago declaration adds another chapter to their campaign for the Nasarawa governorship and places renewed emphasis on their message of continuity, inclusion and development under the APC platform.
Israel JP is the Senior Special Assistant on media to Senator Wadada
