By Francis Nansak, Lafia

As the 2027 general elections approach, there is one bitter truth every aspirant across all registered political parties must come to terms with: the electorate is no longer moved by sudden lavish benevolence, but by a verifiable history of impact.

In Nasarawa State, especially for those jostling to succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule, this truth deserves scrutiny. Many have secured INEC’s acknowledgement, but what did they do yesterday?

History has a replication effect in any society far more powerful than a last-minute gesture that seeks a reward. That is the yardstick in the minds of voters.

Nasarawa has never witnessed this level of intense political activity. Competent contenders across parties are seeking to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while the APC itself is not treating the task of retaining power beyond 2027 with levity. At the centre of its strategy is its leading candidate, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada.

But the crux remains: What did these individuals contribute to development before now?

Voters are already speaking.

Comrade Nda Sambo Manasseh from Kokona LGA said: “Those giving out their wealth to the people are not wrong, but when giving becomes a tool for seeking political relevance and the opposite happens after, it becomes questionable. To be frank, only a habitual giver is fit for governance. For those we never knew in the past and who suddenly become friendly because they want votes, they are only doing it at their own expense. To be direct, Senator Wadada remains the candidate to beat. He has always been with the people.”

From Keffi, Mr. Markus Marshal said: “Although I have heard that retired IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu has been sharing many things and many have benefited, that alone is not enough. If he truly has that mindset, he will do well when he becomes governor.”

A former councillor, House of Assembly aspirant and one-time Special Adviser, Hon. Afiku Kuje, popularly known as GB Young, said: “The dividends of democracy under APC are visible across the 13 LGAs, much more than the 12 years of PDP. Governor Sule has matched words with action. Going forward, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu is our candidate known for his generosity and how he mobilizes people and ensures equitable distribution of dividends, even when he was in the House of Representatives. Wadada is not a politician who gives only when he wants power.”

The road to Government House, Lafia, may appear as a two-party or two-man contest, but beyond the popular names are other heavyweights: General Nuhu Angbazo (ADC), Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi (LP), and Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu (PDP).

Dr. Ombugadu, a two-time House of Representatives member for Akwanga/Nasarawa-Eggon/Wamba and two-time PDP governorship flagbearer, is not a lightweight. However, his recent defection to the APC and return to the PDP within a week has dealt him a political setback he is yet to recover from.

Hon. Jonathan Gaza, currently representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona at the National Assembly, is perceived by many as a spoiler rather than a serious contender, with his strategy largely confined to his Christian base.

General Nuhu Angbazo is making his second attempt after retirement. His first was in 2023 under the PDP, where he lost to David Ombugadu. Now flying the ADC flag, his major challenge remains his reserved military character, which is alien to Nigeria’s boisterous political culture.

At the end, Nasarawa 2027 will not be decided by who shares the most today, but by who shared consistently yesterday.