By Zainab Bakare
The lawmaker representing Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abubakar Nalaraba, has withdrawn from the 2027 Nasarawa State governorship race and declared support for the preferred candidate of Governor Abdullahi Sule, Senator Ahmed Wadada.
Nalaraba, who had earlier signalled interest in contesting for the governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC), announced his decision on Monday in Lafia after what he described as extensive consultations with stakeholders, party leaders, constituents, and elders across the state.
In a strategic shift, the federal lawmaker confirmed that he has obtained the nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for the Nasarawa South Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections.
Explaining his decision, Nalaraba said stepping down from the governorship race was driven by “wisdom, political maturity, loyalty, and a sincere commitment” to the unity and stability of both the APC and Nasarawa State.
“At critical moments of political consideration, sacrifice and the collective interest of the state must prevail over personal ambition,” he said, reaffirming his alignment with Governor Sule’s endorsement of Wadada as the party’s preferred governorship candidate.
He emphasised that his move was consistent with his earlier commitment to support the governor’s decision on the party’s direction, noting that politics should prioritise collective advancement over individual aspirations.
Declaring his full backing for Wadada, Nalaraba pledged to mobilise his political structure and supporters across wards and local government areas to ensure victory for the APC candidate in both the primaries and the general election.
On his senatorial ambition, Nalaraba said the decision to run for the Nasarawa South seat followed appeals from constituents and stakeholders within the zone.
