Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday openly signalled support for Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as the likely successor to Abdullahi Sule, ahead of the anticipated governorship primary election of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State.
The development, which many political observers described as a major boost to Wadada’s growing governorship ambition, unfolded during the opening ceremony of the two-day Nasarawa Investment Summit 2026 held in Lafia, the state capital. The summit, themed “Bold Transitions, Building a Legacy for a Sustainable Future,” brought together government officials, investors, development partners, captains of industry and political stakeholders from across the country.
Beyond its economic focus, however, the event quickly assumed political significance as attention shifted to remarks made by the Vice President concerning the future leadership of Nasarawa State. Speaking before a packed audience at the summit venue, Shettima praised Governor Sule for what he described as visionary leadership and prudent economic management over the years. He noted that the governor had laid a solid foundation for sustainable development and institutional reforms capable of outliving his administration.
But it was his direct reference to Senator Wadada that stirred conversations within political circles. In what appeared to be a public endorsement of the senator’s governorship aspiration, Shettima declared that Wadada “has his job cut out” as Nasarawa prepares for a new political transition in 2027.
The statement immediately drew applause from sections of the audience, particularly APC loyalists and supporters of the senator, many of whom interpreted the Vice President’s remarks as an unmistakable signal that the presidency and Governor Sule’s political structure may already be aligning behind Wadada ahead of the party’s primary contest. For months, political calculations surrounding Sule’s successor have dominated discussions within the APC in Nasarawa State.
Although the governor has not formally announced a preferred candidate, several influential figures within the party have been quietly positioning themselves for the race. However, Wednesday’s public declaration by the Vice President appeared to significantly alter the political atmosphere, giving Wadada a major advantage in the unfolding succession contest. Political analysts believe the endorsement could shape internal alignments within the APC and possibly discourage some aspirants from entering the race.
Wadada, a prominent businessman-turned-politician, currently represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the National Assembly and has steadily expanded his influence within the state’s political landscape. Known for his grassroots connections and philanthropic engagements, the senator has increasingly emerged as one of the most visible political figures in Nasarawa. Though he has not formally declared his intention to contest the governorship election, his body language and growing consultations across the state have fuelled widespread speculation regarding his ambition.
Sources within the APC said Shettima’s remarks were not accidental, insisting they reflected ongoing consultations among key stakeholders in the party over the future direction of Nasarawa politics after Sule’s tenure. The Vice President also used the occasion to commend Sule for transforming Nasarawa into one of Nigeria’s emerging investment destinations. According to him, the state has become attractive to investors due to deliberate reforms introduced by the governor’s administration, especially in mining, agriculture, infrastructure and industrial development.
He noted that economic growth can only be sustained when governments build strong institutions capable of surviving changes in political leadership. Shettima stressed that continuity in governance was essential for development, warning against abandoning ongoing reforms whenever a new administration takes over power. “Our responsibility as leaders is not just to govern for today, but to create structures that will endure tomorrow,” he said. He described the investment summit as evidence of Sule’s determination to build a legacy anchored on economic sustainability rather than short-term political gains.
Governor Sule, in his remarks, said the summit represented the culmination of years of strategic reforms aimed at repositioning Nasarawa as a competitive economic hub. He explained that his administration deliberately focused on attracting private investments, strengthening institutions and improving infrastructure in order to diversify the state’s economy beyond federal allocations. According to the governor, the summit was designed not merely as a ceremonial gathering but as a platform for deepening partnerships capable of driving long-term prosperity.
Sule highlighted several achievements recorded under his administration, including improvements in road infrastructure, investments in solid minerals, expansion of agricultural programmes and industrial projects aimed at creating jobs for the growing youth population. The governor maintained that the future of Nasarawa depended on continuity of policies and preservation of the economic foundation already established.
Observers at the summit noted the warm interaction between Sule, Shettima and Wadada, describing it as a strong political message ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle. Within the APC, conversations have intensified over zoning, succession arrangements and the need to maintain party unity after Sule leaves office. While some stakeholders believe the governorship should remain in the same political bloc for continuity, others insist broader consultations are still necessary before consensus can emerge. Nonetheless, Shettima’s endorsement is expected to strengthen Wadada’s standing among delegates and party leaders across the state.
Opposition parties are also closely watching developments within the APC, aware that Nasarawa remains one of the ruling party’s strongholds in the North-Central region. Political observers say the battle for Sule’s successor may eventually shape alliances beyond Nasarawa, especially given the strategic importance of the state in national politics.
For now, however, attention remains fixed on Senator Wadada, whose political profile appears to have received a major lift from one of the most influential figures in the country’s leadership hierarchy. As the 2027 transition gradually comes into focus, the signals emerging from Lafia suggest that the race to succeed Governor Sule may already have a front runner.
