By Francis Nansak, Lafia

Confusion has trailed the alleged release of the governorship candidates’ list by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the weekend.

The purported list, which circulated widely, contained names of candidates for APC, PDP, SDP, NNPP, ADC, LP and NDC. However, the name of Rtd. IGP Abubakar Mohammed Adamu was conspicuously missing. 

Adamu is widely believed in some quarters to be eyeing the SDP governorship ticket for 2027.

The development has generated mixed reactions across Nasarawa State.

In Lafia, supporters of the former IGP dismissed the list as fake. They described it as a “concocted document” aimed at undermining their chances ahead of 2027.

On social media, the list also sparked heated debate.

A commentator, Shehu Mohammed, said: 

“Until INEC issues a counter statement, the list stands. But I wonder how Rtd. IGP Adamu began campaigning with the SDP logo when he did not contest the party’s primary. Was he given the ticket in secret?”

In Keffi, hometown of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, the APC candidate, there was quiet celebration. Stakeholders said the coast was now clearer and urged Adamu’s supporters to join the “Wadada moving train” to avoid unnecessary acrimony.

According to the alleged list, other candidates captured include: 

Sen. Ahmed Wadada Aliyu – APC 

Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu – PDP 

Alhaji Adamu Musa – SDP 

Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi – LP 

Rtd. Gen. Nuhu Angbazo – ADC 

Alhaji Maidoya – NNPP 

Notably missing were Rtd. IGP Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, Barr. Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi and Prof. Mohammed Haruna Sani.

A public affairs commentator warned: 

“If INEC does not refute this list, Adamu and others should tread carefully to avoid heating up the polity. They may need to align with their preferred candidates.”

Meanwhile, support for Senator Wadada, the APC flag bearer, continues to grow statewide. He is seeking to succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule. 

The latest endorsements came on Saturday from the Tiv APC Forum and the Agatu people, who both declared total support for his governorship bid.

As at press time, INEC is yet to confirm or deny the authenticity of the list.