By Rayyanu Bala

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared six aspirants from Nasarawa State to participate in the party’s governorship primaries scheduled for today, May 21, 2026, setting the stage for what is expected to be a defining political contest ahead of the general elections.
The aspirants cleared to contest in the Nasarawa APC governorship primaries are:
Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu
Mohammed Adamu Abubakar
Mohammed Sanni Haruna
Liman Hassan Mohammed
Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar
Fati Abdullahi
However, political observers across the state believe the race is already revealing a clear distinction between career politicians with established grassroots structures and newcomers whose participation appears more opportunistic than strategic.
Among the six aspirants, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu is widely regarded as the only full-time politician who has consistently paid his dues within the political system and maintained enduring ties with the people across Nasarawa State.
Wadada’s political journey has been marked by years of active engagement at both grassroots and national levels. His support base is considered organic and deeply rooted across the three senatorial districts of the state, giving him a strategic advantage over other contenders whose political relevance is viewed as limited and seasonal.
Analysts argue that while the other aspirants may possess impressive professional credentials and pockets of influence, many are largely seen as part-time politicians who entered the governorship race more out of convenience than genuine commitment to public service. Critics within the APC say several of the aspirants have not demonstrated sustained political involvement or long-term investment in party structures and grassroots mobilization.
For many party loyalists, the governorship contest is more about political consistency, loyalty to the party, and proven service to the people. In that regard, Senator Wadada is being projected as the aspirant with the widest acceptance among ordinary party members and voters across the state.
His supporters point to his longstanding relationship with communities, political accessibility, and established statewide networks as evidence that he remains the most grounded and experienced contender in the race.
With today marking the decisive moment for the primaries, APC members across the state are expected to cast their votes for the candidate they believe has remained connected to the people over the years — a man who knew them yesterday, knows them today, and will remember them tomorrow. To many supporters, that man is Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.
Today, they say, is a day to reward political experience, grassroots credibility, and long-term dedication over last-minute ambition and opportunism.