By Francis Nansak, Lafia
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Dr. Faisal Shuaib appears to be gaining momentum in the race for the Nasarawa West Senatorial District seat, with residents in parts of the zone expressing preference for the former Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA.
Checks across Kokona, Nasarawa and Karu Local Government Areas indicate growing recognition of Shuaib’s name and record in public service.
Some residents who spoke on the emerging political contest described him as a candidate with considerable experience in grassroots-oriented public service, particularly because of his previous role in Nigeria’s primary healthcare sector.
A resident of Karu, Benard Aren, described Shuaib as a national figure whose experience could translate into effective representation at the National Assembly.
“The name of Dr. Faisal Shuaib is a national brand, based on his performance as chief executive of the most grassroots-patronized health agency,” Aren said.
According to him, Shuaib’s experience in primary healthcare gives him an understanding of the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
He added that Shuaib’s possible emergence as successor to Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada would ensure continuity in representation.
Similarly, a resident of Kokona, Mallam Hasimu Amadu, expressed confidence in the political strength of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the senatorial district.
Amadu argued that the party’s structure and previous electoral performance could influence the outcome of the 2027 contest.
He also praised Shuaib’s contribution to the health sector, particularly his reported involvement in initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare.
“I do not see the possibility of dislodging any APC candidate from our zone,” he said, while expressing confidence in Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu’s political future.
The Nasarawa West Senate contest is expected to feature candidates from major political parties, including the APC, African Democratic Congress, ADC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Among the names being discussed are Dr. Umar Galadima Musa of the ADC and PDP candidate Dr. Engr. Kefas Kaura.
While Musa previously contested under the PDP before moving to the ADC, Kaura is expected to make another attempt at elective office after previous political contests.
Supporters of Shuaib, however, believe his previous governorship ambition, public-service experience and network across Nasarawa State could give him an advantage.
His supporters also point to Toto Local Government as an important political base, while citing the support of political groups associated with Dr. Musa Maikaya and Hon. Daniel Ogazi.
A Keffi-based vendor, Alhaji Saleh, said Shuaib possesses the experience needed to succeed Wadada if the latter eventually emerges as governor.
“Dr. Faisal fits as Senator Wadada’s successor, and he is the only person among the others who can take our zone to the next level,” Saleh said.
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As political activities intensify ahead of 2027, the Nasarawa West Senate contest is expected to become increasingly competitive, with candidates seeking to consolidate their support across the five local government areas that make up the senatorial district.
For now, however, supporters of Dr. Faisal Shuaib insist that their preferred candidate has already established himself as a major contender in the race.