2027: Nasarawa Governorship Race Heats Up As Ex-NASENI Boss Joins Contest

The race for the Nasarawa State governorship in 2027 has gained fresh momentum as former Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Professor Mohammad Sani Haruna, has formally declared his intention to contest.

Haruna’s entrance into the race was in spite of the Governor Abdullahi Sule’s adoption of Senator Ahmed Wadada, who currently represents Nasarawa West as the preferred APC aspirant.

Wadada’s adoption has since caused upset within the party as former Inspector General of Police,  Abubakar Adamu, who is also seeking to run for same office on the party ticket has rejected the endorsement.

Also, former Governor of the state, Tanko Al-Makura, has opposed the his successor’s adoption of the senator, saying there was no broad consultation before Wadada was picked as the consensus candidate.

However, Haruna joined the race yesterday, following his declaration at a gathering of his supporters and political stakeholders in Western Zone Mega Rally in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

He said his ambition is driven by a desire to consolidate ongoing industrialisation and infrastructure development in the state while promoting peace, unity, and economic growth.

According to him, the decision followed extensive consultations across the state.

“Following extensive consultations across the state, I have decided to offer myself to serve the state in the position of governor come 2027, and I call on all party faithful across the state to support me to realise this ambition,” he said.

He announced plans to formally obtain the party’s nomination form and participate in the governorship primaries scheduled for May 21, 2026.

“I’m going ahead to purchase the nomination form and will participate in the governorship primaries.

You can be rest assured that what I can promise you is transparent administration and judicious utilisation of your resources, and I will keep your trust,” Haruna said.

The former NASENI chief said his aspiration is anchored on his experience in public service and achievements at NASENI, noting that merit guided his appointment into the agency.

“I know I am competent. When I was looking for NASENI job as Executive Vice Chairman, I was employed on merit out of 67 people that contested, wrote examinations, and attended interviews for the position. There was no sentiment because merit prevailed,” he said.

Haruna explained that his goal is to expand industrial development, strengthen local manufacturing, and enhance skills acquisition for youths in the state.

“We wish to expand the industrialisation, the manufacturing economy, and the infrastructure expansion that is going on now under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule,” he stated.

He also commended former Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, describing him as the “architect of modern Nasarawa State,” while praising Governor Abdullahi Sule for ongoing infrastructure and industrial projects.

Haruna added that peace and stability remain central to development, urging residents to sustain unity.

“It is on the environment of peace, tranquillity, and unity that we can thrive. We should not allow insecurity or internal conflict to take root in Nasarawa State,” he warned.

The aspirant also pledged to ensure proper utilisation of the state’s resources and promote investments in industrialisation, engineering, and human capital development if elected.

As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, Haruna urged his supporters and residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

He also drew cheers from the crowd during interactive moments, where supporters responded positively to his appeals for backing in the forthcoming political process.