NDC picks Shugaba-Abdullahi as Nasarawa governorship candidate

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has picked Musa Shugaba-Abdullahi as its candidate for the 2027 Nasarawa State governorship election.

Shugaba-Abdullahi emerged during the party’s substitution primary election held on Tuesday night in Lafia, the state capital.

The exercise, which was conducted through affirmation, was overseen by the NDC Electoral Committee and supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The chairman of the electoral committee and NDC National Treasurer, Dr Peter Onigah, said the exercise was conducted in line with the Electoral Act.

Speaking after his emergence, Shugaba-Abdullahi outlined a five-point agenda focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, empowerment and security.

He promised to provide free and compulsory education for children between the ages of three and 19 if elected governor.

“We want to reduce illiteracy to the barest minimum. One of the reasons for insecurity and other social vices is because a good number of our youth are illiterate,” he said.

The candidate also promised government support for young people between the ages of 19 and 25 seeking to study NCE, OND, vocational and selected medical courses.

He said the government would subsidise tuition for the programmes, while parents would be responsible for feeding.

On healthcare, Shugaba-Abdullahi said his administration would prioritise the sector and work to make Nasarawa a medical hub in Nigeria.

“Our aim is to reduce the need for Nigerians to travel to India, Dubai, the United Kingdom and other countries for medical treatment.”

On infrastructure, he said the government would focus on projects based on the specific needs of communities rather than embarking on projects that did not address their priorities.

He also acknowledged the limited role of state governments in security matters but said his administration would work with the Federal Government to tackle insecurity and criminal activities in the state.

The NDC State Chairman, Hon. Dogo Shammah, said the substitution primary became necessary because some constituencies did not have aspirants during the party’s May 2026 primary election, resulting in the use of placeholders.

Shammah said the party was preparing to compete strongly in the 2027 elections.

He urged party executives, zonal officers, local government and ward leaders to mobilise support ahead of the election.

The exercise also produced five candidates for the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.

They are 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.