Ex-Speaker Balarabe says he returned home for Ohiku Egbira Program, not politics

….. As Toto LG Chairman Baba Yahaya, Assembly member Sa’ad join constituents to welcome him home

By Yahaya Idris, Toto

The immediate past Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, stated that his homecoming to Umaisha on Friday, 28 November 2025, was not politically motivated.

He said he attended in response to an invitation from the leadership of Ohiku Egbira, which event will hold on Saturday, 30 November 2025, and was surprised by the reception and honors from people of Toto, Ugya, and Umaisha, despite keeping his homecoming private except to a few aides.

Balarabe, who is currently the Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State, emphasized that his homecoming should not be politicized and affirmed that when he engages in politics, it will be done according to the rules.

He expressed these views while receiving the Executive Chairman of Toto Local Government, Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya and other local government officials, including the serving Assembly member representing Umaisha/Ugya State Constituency, Hon Sa’ad Abdullahi.

Balarabe said patience and adhering to political processes is key, indicating that he observes the appropriate timing for political actions, reinforcing his reputation as a known politician who follows due process.

The former Speaker’s visit reveals his continued connection and respect for his constituency and political leaders, despite his current role focusing on governance rather than political campaigning or office seeking at the moment

“For those who know me very well, I have not been speaking for a while now, the reason being that I do not wish to be misquoted, but when the time comes, I will lead the struggle as I am known to be.”

Balarabe, who recently returned from Malaysia where he joined other participants worldwide to participate in the Shaping Minds and Building Leadership Conference held in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, stated that he considered it fitting and necessary to honor the invitation of his people.

He commended the Executive Chairman of Toto LG, Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya and his team for finding him worthy to visit, describing the visit as timely.

“My homecoming has nothing to do with politics, the surprised reception organized in my honored doesn’t translate to politicking. There is still time to do it.”

“I didn’t come home to campaign for any governorship, Senatorial, house of Representatives and Assembly aspirants, rather came home to join my people host Ohiku Egbira Day holding in Umaisha on Saturday

Speaking separately, the Executive Chairman of Toto LG, Pharmacist Baba Yahaya said they were in Umaisha to inspect a venue project for the slated Ohiku Egbira Program.

He said I heard the former Speaker will be in town but do not know when he will be available, after some minutes, he called to confirmed that he has arrived and hence his visit.

Pharm. Baba Yahaya described the former speaker as generous political leader whom he held in high esteem, noting that he will continue to aligned himself with him.

He explained further that while he was Hon. Sa’ad Abdullahi sought to joined him to pay homage to the political leader.

On his part, Hon. Sa’ad said he personally requested to meet the former Speaker, said he remains the political leader whether serving or former owing to his influence not only his home LG and Nasarawa State at-large

“I am here to pay homage to my elder brother and my leader, he is our leader and nothing can come between us. I can do anything for him if he indicated interest for a bigger political office.

Sa’ad maintained that the former Speaker Balarabe is bigger than the Assembly position, he Sa’ad presently occupy. I want him to go for bigger position. I will join him campaign any time he indicate interest. He is my leader and our political leader in Toto LG.

Let’s us pray for him to continue to excel. He has served us diligently as the leader of Toto LG. Sa’ad added.

Our correspondent report that the former Speaker was accompanied by the immediate past assembly member, who represented Toto/Gadabuke State constituency, Hon. Usman Labaran Shafa, former Chairman, serving and former state political appointees and aides amongst others.