The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has formally adopted Musa Shugaba-Abdullahi as its candidate for the 2027 Nasarawa State governorship election.
Shugaba-Abdullahi emerged as the party’s flagbearer during a substitution primary held on Tuesday in Lafia, the state capital. The exercise, conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also produced five candidates for the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.
Dr Peter Onigah, NDC National Treasurer and Chairman of the Electoral Committee, confirmed that the process followed due electoral guidelines.
The successful Assembly candidates are:
• Iliya Emmanuel Ayas (Kokona West)
• Lucy Kigbu-Anzaku (Keffi East)
• Mohammed Ramalan (Keffi West)
• Micha Mamman (Obi I)
• Hussaini Mustapha-Ganuwa (Toto/Gadabuke)
Addressing supporters after his affirmation, Shugaba-Abdullahi presented a five-point agenda focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, empowerment and security.
He pledged to introduce free and compulsory education for children aged three to 19 if elected, describing the policy as a key step toward reducing illiteracy and tackling related social challenges. The candidate also vowed to prioritise improved healthcare delivery, infrastructure development and youth empowerment, while collaborating with the Federal Government to address insecurity in the state.
NDC State Chairman Comrade Dogo Shammah explained that the substitution primary became necessary after several constituencies failed to field aspirants during the party’s earlier primaries in May. Placeholders had been used at the time, necessitating the fresh exercise to complete the party’s candidate list.
