Yahaya Idris Toto Writes Special Birthday Tribute to Nasarawa SSG, Dr. Shuaibu Labaran Magaji, SAN
Media commentator and former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Idris Toto, has penned a reflective birthday tribute to the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Dr. Shuaibu Labaran Magaji, SAN, popularly known as Matawalle Toto, recounting their political journey while offering candid observations on leadership, loyalty, and service to the people of Toto Local Government Area.
In his message dated July 1, 2026, to mark Dr. Magaji’s birthday anniversary, Yahaya recalled his close political association with the SSG between 2020 and 2022, particularly during the highly contested APC Nasarawa West Senatorial Primary Election held on June 4, 2022, at Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
According to him, Dr. Magaji contested against Arc. Shehu Tukur, who was widely perceived as the government-backed candidate, allegedly enjoying the support of influential political figures, including former governor and former APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Adamu, as well as former minister, Barr. Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi.
Yahaya noted that Ahmed Aliyu Wadada was initially expected to participate in the primary election but tactically withdrew after discovering irregularities in delegate arrangements across four of the five local government areas in the western district—Karu, Keffi, Kokona, and Nasarawa respectively.
He argued that Wadada’s withdrawal should not be seen as cowardice, but rather as a strategic decision to avoid what he described as an unfair contest that could have consumed resources without delivering justice.
He further revealed that at a time when many politicians were reluctant to openly align with Dr. Magaji due to the perceived strength of Tukur’s camp, Toto Local Government stood firmly behind Magaji under the leadership of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, a decision he described as bold and consequential.
Yahaya credited Balarabe for mobilizing the entire APC political structure in Toto to support Dr. Magaji against what he described as the preferred candidate of the political establishment.
Under Balarabe’s leadership, Toto delivered overwhelming support for Magaji in the primary election.
He provided the breakdown of the results as follows:
– Toto LGA: Magaji – 54 votes, Tukur – 6 votes
– Karu LGA: Magaji – 27 votes, Tukur – 28 votes
– Kokona LGA: Magaji – 28 votes, Tukur – 27 votes
– Keffi LGA: Magaji – 0 votes, Tukur – 50 votes
– Nasarawa LGA: Magaji – 5 votes, Tukur – 69 votes
Total Votes:
– Tukur – 174
– Magaji – 120
At the end of the exercise, Arc. Shehu Tukur was declared the winner of the primary. Yahaya stated that Dr. Magaji subsequently challenged the outcome in court over alleged irregularities but eventually lost the legal battle.
Reflecting on developments after the 2023 general elections, Yahaya recalled that former Speaker Balarabe played a significant role in facilitating Dr. Magaji’s appointment as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Nasarawa State, a move seen by many as part of efforts to pacify him following the senatorial loss.
He noted, however, that political tensions later emerged within party leadership circles, particularly after Balarabe lost his third-term bid at the Court of Appeal.
Yahaya said that following the dissolution of the state cabinet by Governor Abdullahi Sule, speculations quickly surfaced on Facebook regarding Dr. Magaji’s possible emergence as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
Within a short period, Dr. Magaji was appointed SSG, a development Yahaya described as the fulfillment of destiny.
He also touched on disagreements during the Toto Local Government chairmanship selection process, revealing that Balarabe had advocated for Ugya Ward to produce the council chairman, arguing that the area had long been politically marginalized.
According to him, opposing interests later emerged from Dr. Magaji’s camp and some political actors, including serving lawmakers from Toto Local Government.
Eventually, Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya emerged as a compromise candidate endorsed by Governor Sule.
Yahaya further recounted internal disputes during APC executive elections in Toto, alleging that multiple factions submitted competing delegate lists and that one controversial list was later rejected following intervention by Governor Sule after complaints from concerned stakeholders, including former Speaker Balarabe.
According to him, petitions and extensive political consultations led to the annulment of the disputed executive list, paving the way for a fresh harmonious party structure that now forms the current APC leadership in Toto.
Despite his past support for Dr. Magaji, Yahaya maintained that he harbors no personal grudge against the SSG but believes some political decisions taken since Magaji assumed office have weakened his grassroots support.
He argued that many loyalists who stood by Dr. Magaji during his senatorial ambition have drifted away, while some individuals who did not support him during difficult times now dominate his political circle.
Yahaya also expressed concern over recent political realignments involving Prince Nuhu Adamu Adauda, warning that political loyalty is often temporary.
He urged Dr. Magaji to focus on leaving behind tangible achievements for the people of Toto before the end of his tenure.
Drawing comparisons, Yahaya praised former Speaker Balarabe for facilitating major developmental projects in Toto, including the rehabilitation of the 48-kilometre Umaisha–Toto road, the strengthening of traditional institutions, and the appointment of indigenes into strategic government positions such as commissioners, advisers, and board members.
He challenged Dr. Magaji to deliver visible projects and lasting legacies that would directly benefit the Toto community.
“Former Speaker Balarabe has done his part, and posterity will judge him. As we look toward 2027, it is my sincere prayer that you secure something tangible for the people of Toto,” he stated.
Yahaya however, extended his warm birthday wishes to the SSG.
“Congratulations and happy birthday, Dr. Shuaibu Labaran Magaji, SAN. May God grant you wisdom, strength, and greater success in service,” he said.
Signed:
Yahaya Idris Toto, The Oracle of New Media, Writer, Public Commentator, and Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity
July 1, 2026
