By Yahaya Idris
Former Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, has begun grassroots mobilisation in Umaisha ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging his supporters to back a team of candidates led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Balarabe made the call on Saturday during a homecoming political gathering in Umaisha, Toto Local Government Area, where he met with constituents and political stakeholders from different parties.
At the event, he endorsed Tinubu for another term as President, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada for Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Shuaib Faisal for Nasarawa West Senatorial District, Mohammed Yerima Albasheer for Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency and Muhammed Muntaka for Umaisha/Ugya State Constituency.
He also announced a ₦4 million donation to women and youth groups.
The former Speaker said the gathering was an opportunity to reconnect with the people who supported him throughout his political career.
According to him, the support of the people of Umaisha/Ugya between 2015 and 2023 played a major role in his political accomplishments, including his eight-year tenure as Speaker.
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Why Tinubu, Wadada Made His List
Balarabe said his support for President Tinubu was partly informed by his appointment as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu.
He also praised Senator Wadada for his efforts towards the proposed Umaisha-Kontonkarfe connection.
Although the project did not materialise, Balarabe said the initiative demonstrated the Senator’s interest in improving connectivity between communities.
He pledged to pursue the construction of a bridge across the River Benue at Umaisha.
Call for Toto Senate Representation
The former Speaker also appealed to the people of Toto Local Government to support Dr. Shuaib Faisal for the Senate.
He recalled that Senator Ibrahim Abubakar was the last person from Umaisha to represent the people in the Senate in 1989 before losing the seat in court.
Balarabe said the time had come for the area to seek another opportunity at the Senate.
He similarly endorsed Mohammed Yerima Albasheer for the House of Representatives, describing him as a brother and friend of Toto Local Government.
He said Albasheer and Faisal could complement each other if elected to the National Assembly.
Legislative Experience
Balarabe urged voters to understand the responsibilities of elected lawmakers before casting their ballots.
He referenced his own record, noting that he won election three times and served as Speaker three times.
He listed Hajarat Danyaro Ibrahim, Daniel Ogah Ogazi and Adamu Muhammed Omadefu and Solomon Akwashiki among legislators he considered examples of quality representation.
He also highlighted several projects and interventions he said were recorded during his time in office, including roads, school projects, electricity interventions, scholarships, youth employment and empowerment programmes.
Political Realignment
The gathering attracted individuals associated with the APC, PDP, SDP and ADC.
Some speakers who previously supported the incumbent lawmaker publicly apologised to Balarabe over their political choices during the 2023 election.
The former Speaker’s engagement with the various groups indicates an attempt to build a broad grassroots coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
