…Seeks Traditional Ruler’s Backing to Influence Governor
….Is Dr. Faisal’s claim of being a close friend of the Governor no longer valid, leading to this apparent desperation for power?
As the APC screening committee assesses chairmanship aspirants across 13 Local Government areas in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Dr. Shuaib Faisal, the former Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHDA) and main supporter of Toto Local Government chairmanship aspirant Mallam Salihu Gani (Shamaki), has become disillusioned in light of the publicized failure of his professed neutrality among the aspirants.
During a recent meeting with all aspirants in Toto town, Dr. Faisal, a gubernatorial aspirant for 2027, reiterated his dedication to impartiality and mentorship for chairmanship aspirants, but subsequently reneged on this commitment mere days later.
Reports indicate that he has shifted his allegiance to support Mallam Salihu Gani (Shamaki), potentially compromising his future aspirations.
According to sources close to Dr. Shuaib Faisal’s camp, he has expressed growing discontent with the current direction of events within the party, contrary to his initial expectation of engaging the Governor to address his concerns.
“He has sought the backing of a highly esteemed traditional ruler to influence the Governor’s decision in his favor.”
On Sunday, 13 October 2024, he paid a courtesy call to the Umaisha palace to meet with the area’s most respected and distinguished royal father, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi
The Governor’s recent decision is predicated on his explicit commitment made at an expanded APC stakeholders meeting in Lafia, wherein he pledged to solely rely on consensus committee and party screening reports for selecting qualified aspirants across 13 LGAs.
Findings from Toto LG’s 12 electoral wards show that the former NPHDA boss has obtained councilorship nomination forms for multiple persons to contest against the party’s predetermined lineup.
Investigations show that Dr. Faisal, no longer seen as neutral, is striving to reverse the narrative to favor his position.
According to sources, Dr. Shuaib Faisal will also extend an apology to the esteemed traditional ruler for failing to honor his initial commitment to neutrality.
Commentators voicing concerns stated that Dr. Faisal’s ill-fated political venture could sabotage his 2027 gubernatorial prospects, urging him to exercise caution regarding advisors whose interests may be financially driven.
