The former Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, has formally withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race in Nasarawa State. The decision came amidst alleged pressure from party stakeholders in the state.
Speaking at a world press conference in Lafia, the state capital, Dr. Shuaib explained that his withdrawal followed extensive consultations with his supporters and loyalists across all 13 local government areas. He emphasized that the move was driven by a spirit of integrity and responsibility as a statesman.
This development occurs just two days after he held a mega rally in Lafia, where supporters braved heavy rains to welcome him to the southern zone. The rally concluded his statewide consultations on whether to continue or step aside, as Governor Abdullahi Sule had selected Senator Ahmed Wadada as his preferred successor.
Dr. Shuaib stated, “I gave my word that I would support whomever His Excellency Governor Abdullahi A. Sule presented as his preferred candidate. That word was not given for the easy day. It was given precisely so it would hold on the difficult one. And so today, painful as it is, it must hold.”
Reflecting on his years in the health sector, he added, “My years in the health sector taught me that public service is rarely about the loudest voice in the room. It is about the willingness to do unglamorous work over long stretches of time, often without applause, sometimes without thanks. That is the spirit in which I joined this contest. It is the spirit in which I leave it.”
He formally announced, “Accordingly, I am formally withdrawing from the contest for the APC gubernatorial ticket in Nasarawa State. I throw my full weight, the weight of my structure, and the weight of my conviction behind the preferred candidate of the Governor, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada. The strength we have built across this state remains intact, and it stands ready to serve the journey ahead.”
The former NPHCDA boss assured that his political structure remains intact and ready to support Governor Sule’s preferred successor. He pledged allegiance to the movement and urged his supporters to rally behind Wadada to advance the state’s development, particularly as a hub for solid minerals.
He expressed gratitude to his supporters, saying, “I am deeply humbled by the collective strength behind this movement: the young, the old, the sick and the healthy, people living with disabilities, students, hardworking men and women across the length and breadth of our dear state. I am especially moved by the prayers of young children, offered day and night, and by the overwhelming support from far and near reaching out to all and sundry to appreciate and believe in the vision of this aspiration.”
He acknowledged their dedication, noting, “Your dedication to telling our story, shaping the narrative, and ensuring that this vision reaches every home has been instrumental in building and strengthening this movement. I know this decision will land hard.”
Dr. Shuaib also praised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the hard decisions being taken would eventually yield positive results.
The venue turned emotional as supporters and stakeholders wept over the unforeseen development. Our correspondent observed that the atmosphere was charged with emotion, reflecting the deep attachment many had to Dr. Shuaib's candidacy.
