As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Nasarawa State, a former Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Abubakar Salisu Maikasuwa, has stressed that credible elections and accountable leadership remain the foundation for sustainable development.
Maikasuwa spoke in Keffi at a symposium organised in honour of former Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Professor Mohammad Sani Haruna, where issues of governance, leadership and development took centre stage.
Delivering a lecture on democracy and leadership, Maikasuwa warned that democracy must go beyond periodic elections to deliver real value to citizens.
“Democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people, but it goes beyond that,” he said, adding, “It includes rule of law, protection of human rights, and effective management of public resources.”
He emphasised that the mere existence of democratic institutions does not guarantee good governance, noting that their effectiveness lies in how they function.
“You cannot achieve democracy merely by establishing institutions like the legislature, executive and judiciary. The way they function determines the outcome,” he said.
The former Clerk underscored the centrality of leadership in shaping the fortunes of any society, warning against poor leadership culture.
“Leadership is a decisive factor. Societies need competent, honest, visionary and empathetic leaders,” he said, stressing “We must guard against selfish, nepotistic and arrogant leadership, which ultimately undermines development.”
Maikasuwa further linked governance to the welfare of citizens, insisting that development must translate into tangible improvements in living conditions.
“Sustainable development must translate into real benefits – food, shelter, healthcare, education, employment and basic services,” he said. He stated: “That is the true test of governance.”
On his part, Professor Haruna used the occasion to unveil his development agenda for Nasarawa State, anchored on peace, industrialisation and continuity.
The governorship aspirant said his ambition is driven by a desire to deploy his experience in technology, public service and development planning to transform the state’s economy.
“It is important to ask why I even ventured into politics and aspire to lead Nasarawa State, if God makes it possible by His grace,” he said.
“It is not about seeking a name. If I want a name, I will aim for a Nobel Prize. This is about service.”
He identified peace and unity as the bedrock of development, stressing that the state’s diversity should be a source of strength.
“Peace and harmonious coexistence are fundamental. Without peace, nothing meaningful can be achieved,” he said. According to him: “God created us in different tribes and languages so we can understand and benefit from one another.”
Haruna also made a strong case for economic transformation through industrialisation, warning against reliance on raw material exports.
“What Nasarawa needs is a manufacturing and industrial economy that can sustain development,” he said. He declared: “We must harness our resources and turn them into useful products. You cannot develop by exporting raw materials and importing finished goods.”
He pledged to sustain ongoing infrastructure projects while expanding industries to generate employment, empower youths and stimulate economic growth.
“My agenda is to ensure sustainability of the current developmental trajectory of Governor Abdullahi Sule, expand infrastructure, and promote industries for employment generation, youth empowerment and skills development using science, technology and innovation,” he said.
The former NASENI boss disclosed that he has already developed a comprehensive blueprint for the state based on detailed assessments across critical sectors.
“We have taken stock of education, health, agriculture, infrastructure – everything,” he said.
“If there are 30 schools in a local government, we know the condition of each—those that need classrooms, those without water, those without facilities.”
According to him, governance must be driven by data and needs assessment rather than assumptions.
“Development must not be based on assumptions. It must be based on needs assessment. You cannot claim to improve education by building classrooms where they are not needed,” he said.
Haruna also stressed the need to sustain ongoing development efforts in the state.
“The ongoing infrastructural development in Nasarawa State is something we must sustain,” he said, adding: “Even if it is not me, whoever becomes governor must continue on that path.”
In his remarks, one of the organisers, Hon. Kasim T. Kasim, said the symposium—organised by Nasarawa State Concerned Democrats—was designed to create a platform for engagement between the aspirant and stakeholders.
“This is an opportunity for party leaders, members and supporters to engage directly, ask questions and understand the vision,” he said.
He added that participants were drawn from five local government areas in Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone, reflecting broad-based interest in the state’s political future.
The symposium ended with calls for unity among party members and sustained engagement as the countdown to the 2027 elections begins.
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