The defection of former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has altered the 2027 governorship equation in Nasarawa State. Adamu's move has set up a two-horse race between him and Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada of the APC. The election is increasingly being defined by these two leading contenders, with three other candidates in the race. They include former House of Representatives member, Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); three-time House member, Honourable Jonathan Gaza of the Labour Party (LP); and retired General Nuhu Angbazo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Senator Wadada enters the race with the open backing of Governor Abdullahi Sule, whose two-term performance has complicated opposition messaging. Governor Sule has built a record in infrastructure, solid mineral processing, workers’ welfare, and fiscal management that even his critics privately acknowledge. Wadada's campaign will also anchor on zoning, with Governor Sule defending the rotational arrangement that guarantees each senatorial zone a turn at Government House.
History, however, cautions against overconfidence, particularly as it regards elections in the state. In 2011, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), led by Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, defeated a sitting PDP government under the late Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma. Several political actors linked to that 2011 realignment are now said to be working with the Adamu camp, a development the APC is watching closely.
The political atmosphere shifted after May 21, 2026, when Adamu lost the APC governorship primary to Wadada, citing irregularities, and defected to the SDP. Since then, his campaign slogan, “IG Gonna” has become a household chant among various groups. Adamu’s appeal rests on his national security credentials, global contacts from years in international policing, and an aggressive stomach-infrastructure and empowerment strategy.
Adamu, along with his wife, Hajiya Rukayya Adamu, has toured all 13 local government areas, distributing food items, cash, farm implements, fertilizers, herbicides, and hand-driven tractors, and executing youth empowerment programs. The result is a movement that presents itself as a rebellion against political domination. Adamu himself has framed his bid as a rescue mission, stating that his administration will be inclusive, transparent, and focused on delivering tangible development.
Hon. Emmanuel David Martins Ombugadu of the PDP is also said to have a bright chance of clinching victory. Some political analysts in the state believe that the intense and confrontational campaigns between the supporters of the APC and SDP may lead to a split of votes, giving Ombugadu an added advantage. Ombugadu's personal political capacity and his connection to one of the majority tribes in the state, the Eggon, are also seen as factors in his favour.
The 2027 Nasarawa State governorship election will be influenced by various factors, including the performance of Governor Abdullahi Sule, the popularity of the candidates, and the dynamics of the political parties. The election is expected to be a closely contested one, with the APC facing challenges from the SDP, PDP, and other parties. The outcome will depend on the ability of the candidates to mobilize support and convince voters of their ability to lead the state.
Key points
- The 2027 Nasarawa State governorship election is shaping up as a competitive contest.
- Former IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu's defection to the SDP has altered the election dynamics.
- The election will be influenced by factors such as Governor Abdullahi Sule's performance and the popularity of the candidates.
