….Express gratitude to Gov. Sule, Ex- Speaker Balarabe, Toto LG citizens for opportunity to serve
Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Tashas, Executive Chairman of Toto Local Government Area, has confirmed that he will not pursue re-election after three years in office, solidifying his backing for the area’s zoning agreements which initially propelled him into the position.
Hon. Tashas stated that as he is set to leave office, his support will be solidly behind any candidate endorsed by Nasarawa State House of Assembly’s immediate past Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, to assume his position.
The outgoing chairman, addressing his constituents in Gadabuke over the weekend, expressed gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule, former Speaker Balarabe Abdullahi, and the people of Toto LG for the opportunity to serve, noting that his three-year tenure was marked by significant achievements and impactful projects that directly benefited the local population.
The incumbent Deputy Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Haruna Kwanakis, hailing from Toto town and previously seeking the area’s highest office, has withdrawn his candidacy, throwing his support behind the candidate selected by their party’s leader, Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, and expressed gratitude to the Governor, the former Speaker, and the people for the trust they placed in him over the past three years, asserting that his administration has made every effort to serve the public interest.
Contributing on the political development, Alhaji Kasim Abdullahi Ohizi, former Egbira Youth Movement, EYM, President from Toto ward commended ex-Nasarawa State House of Assembly Speaker Balarabe Abdullahi’s leadership style, particularly his introduction of zoning arrangements, which have achieved desirable outcomes and proven to be an effective political solution.
“The outgoing Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Tashas, from Gadabuke District, was lauded for his decision not to seek re-election, honoring the zoning arrangement that initially elevated him, while Deputy Chairman Hon. Kwanakis was recognized for his loyalty, understanding, and selflessness in withdrawing his candidacy, despite Toto District being the zone’s next beneficiary, and for publicly backing Alhaji Yahaya Baba Keke from Ugya town.”
According to Ex- EYM President, “based on principles of equity and fairness, Ugya Town is well-suited to produce the next Chairman from Toto District, as Toto Town has occupied the chairmanship on multiple occasions, with both the immediate past and current Commissioners from Toto Town and ward, and the current State Assembly Member from Shafan Abakpa, which also produced two former House of Representatives, while Shafan Kwatto has had a Chairman and two Assembly Members, resulting in Ugya Town having no representation.”
“The zoning arrangement implemented by Balarabe Abdullahi in Toto LG has ensured rotational leadership, enabling Umaisha District to have Hon. Nuhu Adamu Dauda and Gadabuke District to have Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Tashas, demonstrating progress in decentralizing power, and will soon reach Toto District, correcting the historical dominance of power by Toto District.”
The key issue at hand is that Balarabe Abdullahi, the Toto LG political leader and former Speaker, has yet to publicly declare his support for any aspirant for the Chairmanship election, but pundits suggests Alhaji Yahaya Baba Keke of Ugya town is likely his choice, as evidenced by some of Balarabe’s allies actively promoting his candidacy.
Political observers in the area suggest that securing the former Speaker’s support will greatly benefit a candidate at the APC primaries, considering Balarabe’s firm grip on Umaisha/Ugya and its delegates. Additionally, key loyalists, including Hon. Labaran Shafa, Dr. Gaza, and Hon. Tashas, hold significant sway over delegates from Toto/Gadabuke, ensuring their loyalty to Balarabe’s preferred candidate and bolstering his influence in the two districts.
