NDC picks Shugaba-Abdullahi as Nasarawa governorship candidate

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced Musa Shugaba-Abdullahi as its candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election in Nasarawa State. The decision was made following a substitution primary election held on Tuesday night in Lafia, the state capital. The NDC Electoral Committee, under the supervision of INEC officials, conducted the voting through affirmation.

Dr. Peter Onigah, the chairman of the electoral committee and NDC National Treasurer, confirmed that the process adhered to the Electoral Act. Shugaba-Abdullahi unveiled a five-point agenda during his announcement, emphasizing education, healthcare, infrastructure, empowerment, and security. He pledged to provide free and compulsory education for children aged three to 19 and support young people aged 19 to 25 in pursuing certain courses, with the government subsidizing tuition while parents handle meals.

For healthcare, he vowed to transform Nasarawa into a medical hub by reducing the need for Nigerians to seek treatment abroad.

Regarding infrastructure, he stressed community-specific projects rather than arbitrary development initiatives. While acknowledging the restrained role of state governments in security, Shugaba-Abdullahi committed to collaborating with the Federal Government to combat insecurity and criminal activities in the region. The NDC State Chairman, Hon. Dogo Shammah, explained that the substitution primary was necessary due to some constituencies lacking candidates during the May 2026 primary election.

Five additional NDC candidates were elected for various Nasarawa State House of Assembly seats, including Iliya Emmanuel Ayas for Kokona West and Hussaini Mustapha-Ganuwa for Toto/Gadabuke Constituency.