Dr. Fatima Abdullahi, the sole female gubernatorial aspirant in Nasarawa State, has declared her readiness to compete against political heavyweights, including a former Inspector General of Police and a serving senator, insisting she remains confident of securing the governorship ticket. Her declaration comes amid intensifying political calculations ahead of the 2027 race, with prominent figures such as former IGP Mohammed Adamu and Senator Aliyu Wadada, who is the preferred candidate of Governor Abdullahi Sule, in the fray.
Confidence in Victory
While submitting her nomination and expression of interest forms, Fatima Abdullahi dismissed suggestions that the presence of such high-profile contenders could impede her chances. “I am very confident that I will win. It is not a matter of going very far—it is a matter of winning. It doesn’t matter who the gladiators are; I am also a gladiator in my own right,” she asserted.
Disruptive Candidate
The Nasarawa race has attracted significant attention due to the caliber of aspirants, with political observers framing it as a contest between established power blocs and emerging voices. Fatima Abdullahi is positioning herself as a disruptive candidate, leveraging both her professional background and her gender as symbols of inclusion. With nearly two decades of experience in the private sector, she argued that her candidacy offers a fresh governance perspective distinct from the traditional political establishment represented by figures like Adamu and Wadada.
Addressing Gender Imbalance
She also highlighted the absence of female governors in Nigeria since the return to democracy in 1999, describing it as a democratic imbalance. “It is disheartening that despite women constituting over 50 percent of the voting population, Nigeria has yet to produce a female governor. This is the time to change that narrative,” she said.
Developmental Agenda
Abdullahi stated that her ambition is driven by the need to address persistent developmental gaps across Nasarawa State, particularly in healthcare, education, and human capital development. “Across the 13 local government areas, from Obi to Keana and beyond, there are still untapped potentials and clear gaps that must be addressed. That is what I am bringing to the table,” she noted.
Support for Direct Primaries
On the mode of primaries, she endorsed the adoption of direct primaries, describing it as a fairer system given the number of aspirants in the race. “With over six aspirants already, direct primaries are the most appropriate. It gives the people a direct say,” she said.
Responding to concerns over alleged endorsements and preferred candidates by the incumbent administration, Abdullahi maintained that the process would ultimately be credible. “The governor has the right to support anyone, but he has also assured us of a free and fair process. With direct primaries, there is little room for manipulation. We will, however, remain vigilant,” she added.
