2027: Balarabe Endorses Wadada, Albashir, Slams Political Blackmailers

Former Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, has condemned individuals who resort to falsehood, blackmail and character assassination after realizing they lack the political capacity to defeat their perceived opponents.

Balarabe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and indigene of Umaisha in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, made the remarks on Sunday during a condolence visit to his elder brother, who recently lost his wife.

Addressing a large crowd of supporters and well-wishers who gathered to welcome him in Umaisha, the former Speaker said the approach of the 2027 general elections made it necessary for him and his supporters to clearly define their political direction.

He declared his support for Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, the APC gubernatorial candidate, and Hon. Mohammed Yerima Albashir, the party’s candidate for the Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

According to Balarabe, both candidates deserve the support of the people based on their leadership qualities and commitment to the development of the area.

The former Speaker also urged his supporters to work politically against the incumbent member representing Umaisha/Ugya State Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Sa’ad Ibrahim Abdullahi, insisting that politics should be driven by principles and performance rather than personal sentiments.

He emphasized that every individual has the constitutional right to choose his or her political affiliation and support any candidate of choice, stressing that no one is a slave to another in a democratic setting.

Balarabe recalled that his relationship with some political associates became strained when he openly urged the people of Umaisha and Toto Local Government Area to pray for Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada in appreciation of what he described as the senator’s numerous contributions to the development of Toto LGA.

According to him, some stakeholders misinterpreted the gesture and accused him of campaigning for Wadada, a development he said exposed the intolerance of some political actors.

He maintained that he would continue to support leaders and politicians whose actions positively impact the lives of the people, regardless of criticisms from opponents.

The former Speaker called on his supporters to remain united, peaceful and focused as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, expressing confidence that the APC would emerge stronger in the state.