Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has called for continuity in governance and economic reforms in Nasarawa State, while openly expressing confidence in Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as a capable successor to Governor Abdullahi Sule ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
Speaking at the 2026 Nasarawa Investment Summit held in Lafia, Shettima stressed that policy continuity remains essential for sustaining investor confidence, economic growth, and long-term development.
The Vice President described the recently signed “Lafia Declaration” as an economic covenant designed to assure both local and foreign investors that Nasarawa’s development agenda would continue beyond the present administration.
According to him, development must not be interrupted by political transitions, noting that stable policies create the confidence investors need to commit resources to states and economies.
“I want to assure the investing public that, by the grace of God, seated in our midst here is the next governor of Nasarawa. He will abide by the contract,” Shettima declared, in what many political observers interpreted as a strong endorsement of Senator Wadada.
The Vice President praised Wadada’s background in banking and the broader financial sector, saying his experience as a technocrat positions him well to sustain and expand the reforms initiated by Governor Sule.
He added that Wadada understands the economic structure of the country and possesses the administrative competence needed to consolidate Nasarawa’s growing reputation as an investment destination.
Shettima also commended Governor Sule for his leadership style and developmental strides, describing him as a disciplined and reform-minded leader who remained focused despite the pressures of political office.
“Abdullahi Sule is a good man. I’m certain the people of Nasarawa will miss him. By the grace of God, the replacement you will get is also another technocrat in government,” he said.
The Vice President linked Nasarawa’s reforms to the broader economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the Federal Government is pursuing policies aimed at strengthening production, supporting enterprise, and empowering states to become engines of economic growth.
Highlighting the administration’s economic indicators, Shettima said Nigeria has recorded improved GDP growth, reduced fiscal deficits, and stronger foreign exchange reserves since 2023, describing the figures as evidence that ongoing reforms are beginning to yield results.
Also speaking at the summit, Governor Sule described the 2026 investment gathering as a defining moment for Nasarawa’s economic future. He said the summit was designed not only to attract investors but also to institutionalise reforms capable of surviving beyond any single administration.
The governor noted that the state government remains committed to building durable institutions, improving infrastructure, and strengthening investor confidence through consistent policies and transparent governance.
The 2026 Nasarawa Investment Summit, themed “Bold Transition: Building a Legacy for a Sustainable Future,” is the third edition organised under the Sule administration and has become a major platform for promoting investment opportunities in mining, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
Political analysts say Shettima’s remarks may intensify early political discussions ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa, especially within the All Progressives Congress, where succession debates are gradually gaining momentum.
