By Francis Nansak, Lafia

Thousands of stakeholders, youths, and women in Toto Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, on Sunday defied heavy rain to welcome the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.

The senator, who represents Nasarawa West and emerged APC flag bearer at the just-concluded primaries, was in Toto a day after the visit of the wife of the retired Inspector-General of Police.

Wadada first paid homage to the paramount ruler of the Ebira, the Ohinoyi of Umaisha, Alhaji Abdullahi Usman. Supporters, undeterred by the downpour, chanted “Wadada Gwamna” throughout the visit.

Among those present were the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Shuaibu Labaran Magaji, SAN; Dr. Mohammed Musa Maikaya; Dr. Gwamna Gaza; the State Commissioner for Health; party chieftains; and leaders of youth and women groups.

The APC flag bearer and his entourage were received by the Toto LGA Chairman, Pharmacist Ahmed Yahaya.

Residents told journalists that the governor’s choice was “ordained by God”, citing the decision of Toto sons, Dr. Faisal and Dr. Maikaya, to step down for the governor’s preferred candidate.

“We have no option but to support the APC, the governor, and Senator Wadada come 2027. We will not disappoint them,” some residents said.

Dr. Mohammed Musa Maikaya said Toto was prepared to deliver the APC candidate as governor in 2027.

“Your Excellency, we are assuring you that we are more determined than ever to deliver 100 per cent for you,” he said.

He explained that the visit was to thank the people of Toto for their support since the governor adopted Wadada, even though other Toto sons were in the race.

“Toto people respected the governor’s decision, and we will support all Senator Wadada’s programmes when he gets the mandate of the people,” Dr. Maikaya added.

In his welcome address, Pharmacist Yahaya assured the APC candidate of the people’s resolve to support and vote him as the next governor after the tenure of Governor Abdullahi Sule.

“We in Toto remain grateful to Engineer Abdullahi Sule for remembering us in the history of democracy. We believe that when Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu is elected governor, he will do more for the development of Toto,” he said.