The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially selected Musa Shugaba-Abdullahi as its candidate for the 2027 Nasarawa State governorship election, following a substitution primary held on Tuesday night in Lafia, the state capital. The event, conducted through affirmation, was overseen by the NDC Electoral Committee and supervised by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials to ensure compliance with electoral laws. Dr Peter Onigah, chairman of the electoral committee and NDC National Treasurer, confirmed that the process adhered strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Shugaba-Abdullahi emerged victorious after a transparent and orderly exercise that also produced five candidates for the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. These include Iliya Emmanuel Ayas for Kokona West, Lucy Kigbu-Anzaku for Keffi East, Mohammed Ramalan for Keffi West, Micha Mamman for Obi 1, and Hussaini Mustapha-Ganuwa for Toto/Gadabuke Constituency. The substitution primary became necessary because some constituencies had no aspirants during the party’s initial May 2026 primary, prompting the use of placeholders.
Speaking after his emergence, Shugaba-Abdullahi unveiled a five-point agenda centered on education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and security. He pledged to provide free and compulsory education for children aged three to 19 if elected, emphasizing that reducing illiteracy is key to curbing insecurity and social vices. “One of the reasons for insecurity and other social vices is because a good number of our youth are illiterate,” he stated.
For young people aged 19 to 25 seeking higher education, Shugaba-Abdullahi promised government support for NCE, OND, vocational training, and selected medical courses. The government would subsidize tuition fees, while parents would be responsible for feeding their children during studies. In healthcare, he vowed to transform Nasarawa into a medical hub, aiming to reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for treatment.
On infrastructure, he stressed community-driven development, promising projects that address local needs rather than political grandeur. While acknowledging that state governments have limited powers in security matters, he said his administration would collaborate closely with federal authorities to combat crime and insecurity.
Hon. Dogo Shammah, NDC State Chairman, hailed the successful primary and urged party leaders at all levels to intensify mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 polls. The party is now positioning itself as a strong contender in the upcoming gubernatorial race, with a clear platform and committed leadership. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, Shugaba-Abdullahi’s candidacy signals a new chapter for Nasarawa politics, grounded in development and inclusivity.
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