2027 Reps Battle: Nasarawa Youths Declare Support for Awal Umaisha, Reject Ari’s Return

A coalition of youths in Nasarawa Local Government Area has endorsed Hon. Muhammed Mahmud Awal for the Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency seat, while calling on the incumbent member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mohammed Abdulmumini Ari, to step aside ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group warned that any attempt by the lawmaker to seek a third term would be strongly resisted at the party primaries, insisting that his continued stay in office is no longer acceptable.

The youths alleged that individuals canvassing support for Ari’s return are “non-partisan and business-driven,” accusing them of prioritising personal gains over effective representation of the constituency.

Speaking during a protest on Monday, the group’s leader, Mallam Kuira Sadiq Udege, criticised what he described as attempts by a few actors to “repackage” the lawmaker for another term after completing two tenures.

He emphasised the need to uphold the existing zoning arrangement between Nasarawa and Toto local government areas, stressing that it is Toto’s turn to produce the next representative.

“We had an agreement on zoning between Nasarawa and Toto. It is therefore surprising that some individuals from Nasarawa are still indicating interest despite being aware that it is Toto’s turn,” he said.

Udege also questioned the performance of the incumbent, arguing that there is little to justify another bid for office.

“What tangible achievements has he recorded at the National Assembly to warrant a return? Does he still have the moral justification to seek another mandate?” he queried.

The coalition threw its full support behind Awal, describing him as a competent and outspoken administrator capable of delivering quality representation to the constituency.

They noted that Awal, who served as a legislative aide to the late Rt. Hon. Musa Baba Onwana, demonstrated capacity and contributed meaningfully during his time in public service, adding that the impact of Onwana’s legacy remains visible.

The group further urged constituents to disregard aspirants from Nasarawa Local Government Area, claiming that many of them are disconnected from grassroots realities and do not reflect the true interests of the people.