Special Report
By George Ozalla
A wave of political excitement swept through parts of Lafia on Monday 30th March, 2026 as a large crowd of supporters, youth groups, and community stakeholders surged into the state capital in a show of solidarity following the acceptance of a governorship call by Musa Ahmed Mohammed, popularly known as Barade, former Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly and immediate past Accountant General of the state.
The atmosphere around key parts of the city shifted early in the day as groups began converging in steady streams, with chants, placards, and informal processions drawing attention from residents and traders. By midday, several junctions within Lafia were filled with supporters who described the gathering as one of the most significant early political mobilisations ahead of the 2027 governorship cycle.
Barade’s acceptance of the call to contest comes after weeks of sustained consultations and rising pressure from political blocs across Nasarawa State’s three senatorial districts, where various interest groups had intensified appeals urging him to join the race. Those advocating for his candidacy point to his blend of legislative leadership, financial expertise, and administrative experience as key qualifications for higher office.
A trained accountant with strong grounding in public sector finance, Barade previously served as Accountant General of Nasarawa State, where he was involved in the management of state revenues, budget execution processes, and financial accountability systems. Prior to that role, he held office as Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where he presided over legislative proceedings, coordinated lawmaking processes, and played a central role in shaping policy direction at the state level.
Supporters argue that this dual exposure to both legislative leadership and executive financial administration sets him apart in the emerging political field, describing him as a technocratic politician with a grounded understanding of governance structures.
The Monday mobilisation in Lafia also reflected months of grassroots engagements by youth movements, professional associations, and local political actors who had toured communities across Akwanga, Keffi, Keana, Lafia and adjoining areas, building momentum around his possible candidacy. Many of them say the appeal for his participation in the race has grown organically, driven by calls for experienced and results-oriented leadership.
Political observers note that the scale and timing of the mobilisation could signal early alignment building within sections of the political landscape, even as formal party structures and aspirants within the All Progressives Congress and other platforms continue to position ahead of primaries.
Within political discussions, Barade’s profile is often framed around his institutional experience, combining parliamentary leadership as former Speaker with executive financial oversight as Accountant General. Analysts suggest that this combination may become a defining factor as the contest gradually unfolds.
Speaking at the gathering, supporters maintained that his acceptance reflects a response to sustained public demand for leadership anchored on discipline, accountability, and administrative competence.
With his declaration now public, attention is expected to shift toward consultations, coalition building, and the gradual unveiling of his political structure ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.
The development adds fresh momentum to Nasarawa State’s evolving succession politics, where aspirants are increasingly testing influence across local government areas as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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