Nalaraba drops governorship ambition, eyes Senate seat

In a significant political maneuver within Nasarawa State, Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, a serving member of the House of Representatives, has announced his decision to step back from the governorship race for the 2027 general elections. This move, which sees him shifting his ambition towards the Senate seat for Nasarawa South, is presented as a strategic decision guided by "wisdom, political maturity, and a sincere commitment to preserving unity, peace, and progress."

Nalaraba, representing the Awe, Keana, and Doma Federal Constituency, made this declaration during a stakeholders' meeting of his campaign council in Lafia. He emphasized that his decision was not driven by fear or a lack of capacity, but rather by a calculated assessment of the political landscape and a desire to foster cohesion within his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the state at large.

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This decision is not borne out of fear, weakness, or lack of capacity, but guided by wisdom, political maturity, and a sincere commitment to preserving unity, peace, and progress within our great party and the state.

His campaign had reportedly built a robust structure across the state, engaging in various interventions such as distributing palliatives, offering scholarships, and implementing empowerment programs. By withdrawing from the governorship race, Nalaraba signals his alignment with the party's established leadership, particularly Governor Abdullahi Sule, who has endorsed Senator Aliyu Wadada for the APC's governorship ticket. Nalaraba has pledged to mobilize his political machinery to ensure the success of the party's chosen candidates.

This development is viewed within the state's political circles as a demonstration of party loyalty and a strategic positioning for future political endeavors. Nalaraba's pivot to a Senate ambition reflects an understanding of the state's political dynamics and a commitment to continued service at a higher legislative level, responding to calls from stakeholders in the Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone.

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This decision reflects my continued commitment to serve and advance the cause of our people at a higher legislative level.