Photo: Submission Of Forms: From left, National Vice Chairman North Central, Alh. Bawa Rijao, APC National Organizing Secretary, Alh. Suleiman Arugungu receiving Governorship Nomination Form From Nasarawa State APC Governorship Aspirant, Prof. Mohammed Haruna at APC Collection and Submission Centre In Abuja ahead of primaries of the party.
A governorship aspirant in Nasarawa State, Professor Mohammad Sani Haruna, has declared that no contender in the 2027 governorship race can match his record of projects and contributions to human capital development across the state.
Haruna made the assertion while addressing journalists after submitting his governorship nomination and expression of interest forms in Abuja on Friday.
Responding to questions from reporters amid a mammoth crowd and party stakeholders that accompanied him on the exercise, he dismissed concerns over the endorsement of another aspirant by the state government, insisting that the move would not affect his ambition.
He said he remained confident because politics is ultimately determined by the people and not by endorsements.
He described the contest as “a game of numbers,” expressing optimism that the electorate would reward his years of service and development efforts.
“In fact, I am happy that the endorsement has happened because now we will see the people’s preference,” he said.
“Politics is a game of numbers and the people will decide.”
He insisted that his relationship with the grassroots and his record of touching lives across the state would give him an advantage in the race.
“I assure you, I have touched the lives of individuals more than anybody else,” he stated.
“This is a payback period for the people of Nasarawa State.”
He urged his supporters to maintain peace and avoid political violence.
According to him, politics should be centred on governance, development and ideas rather than hostility and attacks on opponents.
“My message to my supporters has always been that we are in politics to discuss issues of governance and development of the state,” he said.
“There is no need to quarrel with anybody. There is no need for any supporter to fight supporters of another candidate over an issue that is first and foremost in the hands of God and will eventually be decided by the people.”
The aspirant stressed that his campaign would continue to focus on policies and programmes instead of personal attacks.
“We preach peace, coexistence and debate on policies and programmes, not attacks on personalities,” he said.
“We do not accept character assassination. In fact, we take disciplinary action against any of our supporters who insult other candidates. That is our principle.”
Haruna also cited the turnout at his recent political gatherings as proof of growing grassroots acceptance across the state.
“Those of you in the press witnessed the gatherings in Lafia and Keffi. No aspirant has assembled such crowds,” he stated.
“The people came willingly. They were not sponsored or hired crowds. Naturally, they love us because of what we have done on the ground.”
He said his years in academics, student leadership and public service had enabled him to impact lives through infrastructural projects and empowerment initiatives.
“We have signature projects and legacy projects from our experiences in academics, student activities and public life,” he said.
“We have contributed to physical development, infrastructure and human capital development. By the grace of God, we have helped many people build their lives, acquire skills and become useful to society.”
Haruna maintained that his contributions distinguish him from other aspirants seeking to govern the state.
“I beat my chest to say there is no aspirant with more tangible projects on the ground in Nasarawa State than Professor M. S. Haruna,” he declared.
He added that the support he currently enjoys is driven by beneficiaries of his interventions and development efforts across the state.
“Many of the people mobilising support for us today are people whose lives have been touched positively through the help of God and little interventions from us,” he said.
“They are the ones spreading the message and encouraging others to identify with our movement.”