By Francis Nansak, Lafia
Ahead of the 2027 general election, checks across Nasarawa West Senatorial District reveal that the former Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, has gained tremendous momentum in his bid to become the next senator.
Findings in Kokona, Nasarawa and Karu LGAs indicate that the people’s preference tilts toward the APC senatorial candidate, ahead of others who were described as “premature politicians” whose public records are not visible to the masses.
Benard Aren, a resident of Karu, said: “The name of Dr. Faisal Shuaib is a national brand, based on his performance as chief executive of the most grassroots-patronized health agency. This means he has a better understanding of the downtrodden and knows their needs more than any other politician. To me, Dr. Faisal succeeding Senator Wadada is a plus, because there will be no vacuum in legislation if he becomes senator” Benard Posited .
Mallam Hasimu Amadu in Kokona told our correspondent that the APC has firmly held sway in Nasarawa West with remarkable impact on the people, making it difficult for any other party to be trusted with votes against the ruling party.
“I do not see the possibility of dislodging any APC candidate from our zone. Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu will be leaving an indelible footprint when he becomes governor. The only person fit to wear his shoes will be Dr. Faisal Shuaib, whom everyone knows brought about so many transformations in our primary healthcare facilities during his days in the health sector, apart from the free medical outreach that my family benefited from,” he said.
The 2027 Senate race in Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone is shaping up between the APC, ADC and PDP candidates, who are considered the frontline contestants. However, the name of Dr. Faisal Shuaib resonates more due to his disposition to public service and visibility across communities.
Meanwhile, Dr. Umar Galadima Musa, the ADC candidate, who once contested under the PDP before defecting to his new party, appears to be trailing behind.
For the PDP Senate candidate, Dr. Engr. Kefas Kaura, a seasoned politician, this will be his first attempt at the Senate, despite previous unsuccessful efforts to clinch the House of Representatives seat and the Karu Local Government chairmanship.
Many attributed his past failures in politics to poor funding of his campaigns.
Dr. Faisal Shuaib, a former governorship aspirant with widespread support across the state, is believed to have strong chances, especially from his Toto base, which is one of the largest voting blocs in the senatorial zone. Backed by Dr. Maikaya’s support group and Hon. Daniel Ogazi’s campaign team, he remains the candidate to beat.
“Dr. Faisal fits as Senator Wadada’s successor, and he is the only person among the others who can take our zone to the next level. Now that we are sure Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu is becoming our nect governor, and with Hon. Daniel Ogazi in the Green Chamber, governance will be more impactful and the dividends of democracy will be more visible on the ground” Alhaji Saleh, a vendor in Keffi, said.
