With the clock ticking on the second and final term of Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, political gladiators across party lines have begun intense jostling for the governorship seat ahead of the 2027 general election.

Naijaonpoint understands that the coming poll is expected to be a fierce contest, with no fewer than 20 aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other platforms already making moves, according to Governor Sule himself.

Findings by Sunday Punch revealed that consultations, alignments and realignments have kicked off in earnest across the 13 local government areas of the state, with contenders mobilising support, especially in Lafia, the state capital, and surrounding towns.

Prominent politicians reportedly warming up for the race include:

Muhammad-Hassan Abdullahi, former Minister of Environment

David Ombugadu, PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate

Senator Aliyu Wadada (SDP, Nasarawa West)

Dr Musa Mohammed, the current Accountant General of Nasarawa State

Prof Mohammed Haruna, former head of NASENI

Dr Faisal Shuaibu, ex-CEO of NPHCDA

Muhammed Adamu, former Inspector General of Police

Shehu Tukur, APC chieftain

Abu Giza and Mohammed Maikaya from Toto LGA

Already, posters of some aspirants have begun springing up in strategic corners of Lafia, as well as major towns across the state, sparking heated political debates among residents and observers alike.

While the Nigerian constitution does not recognise zoning, the question of which senatorial zone should produce Governor Sule’s successor has become a hot topic in political circles.

Although zoning has historically played a role in Nasarawa’s political culture, some argue that it may not hold sway this time around.