Nasarawa Facebook Guber Candidate Criticized as Advocate Zaliha Ibrahim Defends Gov. Sule’s China Trip, Mocks Umar Ayuba
By Yahaya Idris, Lafia
A fresh round of political exchanges has erupted on social media in Nasarawa State following a sharp response by Advocate Abdullahi Zaliha Ibrahim to criticism of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s official trip to China by African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dr. Umar Ayuba.
The online exchange, which has generated reactions among supporters of different political interests, began after Dr. Ayuba questioned Governor Sule’s overseas visit, suggesting that the state had been left without effective leadership.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the ADC stalwart wrote:
“Once again, Sule is in China, accompanied by his Accountant General and the Secretary to the State Government, effectively leaving the already self-operating government without any leadership. What a government!”
Dr. Ayuba, a vocal critic of the Sule administration, has consistently used social media to challenge government policies, programmes and official engagements.
Responding shortly afterwards, Advocate Zaliha Ibrahim dismissed the criticism, describing Dr. Ayuba as an “online governorship candidate” while arguing that his comments demonstrated a poor understanding of the constitutional structure of governance.
According to her, Governor Sule was elected alongside his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who constitutionally oversees state affairs whenever the governor travels on official assignments.
She maintained that the governor’s trip should not be politicized, stressing that governance in Nasarawa State continues uninterrupted despite the governor’s temporary absence.
In a statement filled with political sarcasm, Zaliha wrote:
“Good morning our online guber candidate. In this era? As a strategic leader like GAAS, you are wasting time following his activities. He’s not someone you can catch with unnecessary errors. The Deputy Governor is acting in the Governor’s absence, or do you have a problem with that?
“I thought you had entered the lagoon near your community. GAAS has exceeded all expectations.
“Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada is coming to take over, In Shaa Allah. This wailing contract you have signed is for eternity. Have a nice day ahead.”
The exchange has since attracted numerous comments from supporters of both political camps, with many defending their preferred political figures while others called for issue-based political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Global Times Nigeria recalled Governor Abdullahi Sule is currently in China on an official investment-focused visit aimed at strengthening bilateral partnerships, attracting foreign investment and promoting economic opportunities for Nasarawa State.
With preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually gathering momentum, social media platforms have increasingly become arenas for political debates, criticism, endorsements and campaign messaging among stakeholders across the state.