• Former NPHCDA boss Dr Faisal Shuaib has withdrawn from the 2027 Nasarawa governorship race under the APC
• Shuaib declared full support for Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who has been endorsed by Governor Abdullahi Sule
• He described the decision as painful but necessary, insisting that public service requires sacrifice and discipline

Former Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, has withdrawn from the 2027 Nasarawa State governorship race and declared support for Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada.

Shuaib announced his withdrawal on Monday, April 27, during a press conference in Lafia after what he described as extensive consultations with supporters and stakeholders across the state.

His decision comes days after a major political rally in Lafia, where his supporters turned out in large numbers despite heavy rainfall, and follows the endorsement of Senator Wadada by Governor Abdullahi Sule as his preferred successor in the 2027 governorship race.

Explaining his decision, Shuaib said it was one of the most difficult moments of his political journey but insisted that integrity and loyalty to his word guided his action.

“I am formally withdrawing from the contest for the APC gubernatorial ticket in Nasarawa State,” he said. “I throw my full support behind Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada.”

According to him, governorship aspirants from Nasarawa West had earlier agreed to either produce a consensus candidate or align with the choice of Governor Sule.

He said when efforts to reach a consensus failed, the aspirants resolved to support whoever the governor eventually endorsed.

Shuaib said although the outcome was difficult for many of the aspirants, he chose to stand by the agreement and honour his commitment.

“I gave my word that I would support whoever His Excellency presents as his preferred candidate. That commitment was not meant for easy times alone. Painful as it is, I must honour it,” he said.

He added, “I gave my word to support whoever the governor presents. That commitment must stand, even at a difficult time.”

The former NPHCDA boss said his decision reflects the values of discipline, sacrifice and responsibility that should define public service.

“Public service is not always about being the loudest voice. It is about consistency, responsibility, and doing the work, even when it is not convenient,” he said.

Shuaib also said leadership demands maturity and restraint, especially in moments of personal disappointment, noting that service to the people must always come before personal ambition.

He formally pledged his political structure and support base to Senator Wadada, assuring party members that his withdrawal would not weaken the movement built around his governorship aspiration.

“I am withdrawing from the contest and throwing my full weight behind Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada. The structure we have built remains strong and ready for the journey ahead,” he stated.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of his supporters and described the consultations leading to his withdrawal as one of the toughest decisions of his political career.

Shuaib thanked his supporters across Nasarawa for their loyalty and commitment, urging them to remain united and rally behind the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria, stressing that his withdrawal from the governorship race does not mark the end of his service to the people.

Shuaib further called on Nigerians to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the administration’s ongoing reforms would deliver long-term benefits for the country.

Observers at the press conference described the atmosphere as emotional, with many supporters and stakeholders visibly disappointed by the announcement, even as party loyalists framed the move as a strategic sacrifice aimed at preserving unity within the APC in Nasarawa.

Kano Assembly confirms Murtala Sule Garo as deputy governor

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Kano State House of Assembly had confirmed Murtala Sule Garo as the new Deputy Governor of Kano State following a formal screening process conducted during plenary.

His appointment comes in the wake of the resignation of the former Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, which created a vacancy in the state’s executive structure.