By Osordi Ayomide

Governor Abdullahi Sule has openly endorsed Senator Aliyu Wadada as his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa State, setting the tone for what could become an early contest for dominance within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sule made the declaration during a meeting with political appointees at the Government House in Lafia, where he reportedly signalled confidence in Wadada’s capacity to succeed him and sustain the party’s hold on the state.

The governor’s endorsement is being interpreted in political circles as a strategic move to shape succession plans well ahead of the 2027 elections. Though party primaries are still some distance away, such early backing often plays a critical role in influencing party structures and grassroots alignment.

Wadada, who currently represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, recently defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the APC—fueling speculations about his governorship ambition.

A seasoned politician with experience in both legislative and administrative roles, Wadada’s defection to the ruling party was widely seen as a calculated step toward positioning himself for a stronger platform ahead of 2027.

Observers note that while endorsements speaks volume in the political scene, they do not always guarantee the party ticket, as internal contests and consensus-building remain key features of APC’s candidate selection process.

With the race still in its early stages, Sule’s move has effectively fired the first major shot in Nasarawa’s 2027 governorship contest. As more aspirants are expected to declare interest, the coming months may witness intensified political consultations, alliances, and strategy-building within the state.

For Wadada, the endorsement provides a significant boost, but the path to securing both the party ticket and eventual victory remains a test of political strength, structure, and public appeal.

With this declaration, the 2027 Nasarawa governorship race may have just unofficially begun.