In the build-up to the 2027 Nasarawa State governorship election, key stakeholders and opinion leaders in Toto Local Government Area have called on Dr. Shuaib Faisal, former Chief Executive of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, to shelve his ambition and rally behind Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya.
The group described the move as part of wider political realignments aimed at consolidating support for Maikaya, whom they hailed as a philanthropist and grassroots politician with a strong record of service.
Maikaya, through his award-winning Maikaya Development Foundation, has consistently funded scholarships and enrolled vulnerable residents in health insurance schemes, which the stakeholders said demonstrates his long-standing commitment to education, health and the overall welfare of Nasarawa citizens.
Reacting to a recent meeting at the Umaisha Administrative Council, the stakeholders criticized attempts to persuade traditional rulers to pressure Maikaya into supporting Faisal’s aspiration.
They argued that Faisal lacks a statewide political structure and does not command support across Nasarawa’s 13 local government areas.
According to the statement, Maikaya enjoys wider popularity and accessibility across the three senatorial districts and is regarded as a serious contender rather than a mere obstacle.
“We urge Faisal to refrain from playing a spoiling game.
The struggle ahead is beyond sentiment or tribal politics. If he believes in his capacity to govern, he should promote his own candidacy without dragging Dr. Maikaya into divisive politics,” the group stated.
The stakeholders also warned the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers and the people of Toto LG against any effort to pressure Maikaya, recalling that similar political miscalculations during the last chairmanship election left their instigators in the opposition.
They described Maikaya as a detribalised Nigerian with a proven record of adding value to society and expressed confidence that he remains the candidate to beat in the forthcoming governorship race.
Signed:
Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammed Abubakar, Chairman
Mallam Saidu Usman ,Secretary
Toto Local Government Stakeholders
Saturday, September 13, 2025
