Defies Downpour, Shuaib Storms Nasarawa South in Grand Appreciation Rally
Thousands Brave Heavy Rains as APC Guber Aspirant Thanks Loyalists, Signals Next Move Ahead of 2027
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
Thousands of supporters of a frontline gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, on Saturday defied torrential rains to accord him a rousing welcome in Nasarawa South, marking the grand finale of his statewide consultation and appreciation tour.
Amid heavy downpours that lasted over two hours, Dr. Shuaib trekked through the rain-soaked streets of Lafia alongside jubilant supporters, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and confidence in his leadership ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
The visit to Lafia, the state capital, was aimed at acknowledging the responses, advice, and recommendations from his supporters regarding his next political steps, particularly following the endorsement of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada by Governor Abdullahi Sule as his preferred successor.
Despite the disruption caused by the rains, supporters described the moment as symbolic, with some calling it a “divine sign of victory ahead.”
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd drawn from Lafia, Doma, Awe, Keana, and Obi local government areas, the visibly drenched aspirant emphasized that the gathering was not a campaign rally but an appreciation visit.
“This is the time to thank each and every one of you for your support, to appreciate our leaders, and to assure you that better days lie ahead. We have heard your calls and your expectations, and we will respond accordingly,” he said.
The rally, which commenced from the Lafia city gate, witnessed a massive turnout of youths, women, political stakeholders, and residents who danced and marched in solidarity despite the adverse weather conditions.
Speaking to journalists, a youth leader, Elayo Confidence, described Shuaib as a grassroots politician with the qualities needed for effective leadership.
“Dr. Faisal Shuaib represents the kind of leadership we desire, experienced, people-oriented, and committed to service,” he said.
Also lending her voice, a 76-year-old woman leader, Amina Sani, urged younger voters to prioritize competence and credibility in their political choices.
“At my age, I am not after material gains but sustainable leadership for future generations. I believe in him and will support him to the end,” she stated.
Political observers note that the scale and structure of Shuaib’s engagements indicate a shift from elite-driven politics to a more inclusive, grassroots mobilization strategy.
A political analyst, Musa Yohanna, observed that the aspirant’s approach is geared towards fostering unity within party ranks and building a cohesive political base.
“His style reflects a deliberate effort to eliminate internal divisions and create a disciplined, forward-looking political movement,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa Newsline reports that Dr. Shuaib, a former Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, had earlier visited Akwanga in the Nasarawa North zone as part of his ongoing appreciation tour, where he also received a warm reception from supporters.
