Nasarawa ADC: Ayuba Umar withdraws from gov’ship race over zoning concerns

By Musa Baba Adamu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nasarawa State, Ayuba Umar, has withdrawn from the 2027 governorship contest, citing fairness, equity and political balance as reasons for his decision.
Umar announced his withdrawal in a Facebook post after consultations with political associates and stakeholders.
The former governorship aspirant explained that contesting for the governorship would be difficult to justify because he shares the same senatorial district, local government area and constituency with the incumbent governor, Abdullahi Sule.
According to him, political leadership should be guided by justice, consistency and accountability, especially in matters relating to zoning and equitable representation.
“If I speak against political imbalance when others seek to benefit from it, then I must also reject it when I stand to gain,” Umar stated.
He said his decision was based on principle rather than weakness, stressing that leaders must demonstrate integrity by applying the same standards to themselves that they demand from others.
Umar recalled that he stepped aside in 2018 in the interest of political stability, adding that his latest withdrawal was another sacrifice aimed at strengthening democratic values in the state.
“In 2018, I stepped aside for peace and stability. In 2026, I am stepping aside again to preserve the credibility of the principles that sustain democracy,” he added.
The veteran journalist recently joined the ADC after leaving the People’s Redemption Party, where he was previously a prominent member.