Credible elections and responsible leadership are key to development…

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Nasarawa State, a former clerk of the National Assembly, Dr. Abubakar Salisu Maikasuwa, has stressed that credible elections and responsible leadership remain the foundation for sustainable development.

Maikasuwa was speaking in Keffi at a symposium organized in honor of the former Executive Vice President of the National Science and Engineering Infrastructure Agency (NASENI), Professor Mohammad Sani Haruna, where issues of governance, leadership and development took center 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 the rule of law, the protection of human rights and the effective management of public resources.”

He stressed that the mere existence of democratic institutions does not guarantee good governance, stressing that their effectiveness lies in how they function.

“Democracy cannot be achieved simply by creating institutions such as the legislative, executive and judiciary. How they function determines the outcome,” he said.

The former employee highlighted the centrality of leadership in shaping the fortunes of any company, warning against a 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 also linked governance to the well-being of citizens, insisting that development must translate into tangible improvements in living conditions.

“Sustainable development must translate into real benefits: food, housing, healthcare, education, employment and basic services,” he said. He said: “This is the true test of governance.”

For his part, Professor Haruna took the opportunity to unveil his development agenda for Nasarawa State, based on peace, industrialization and continuity.

The gubernatorial hopeful said his ambition is driven by a desire to leverage his expertise in technology, public service and development planning to transform the state’s economy.

“It is important to ask why I ventured into politics and aspire to lead Nasarawa State, if God makes it possible with His grace,” he said.

“It’s not about looking for a name. If I want a name, I’ll aim for a Nobel Prize. It’s about service.”

He identified peace and unity as the foundation of development, stressing that the state’s diversity should be a source of strength.

“Peace and harmonious coexistence are fundamental. Without peace, nothing significant can be achieved,” he said. According to him: “God created us in different tribes and languages ​​so that we could understand and benefit from each other.”

Haruna also strongly advocated economic transformation through industrialisation, warning against reliance on raw material exports.

“What Nasarawa needs is a manufacturing and industrial economy that can support development,” he said. He stated: “We must exploit our resources and transform them into useful products. It is not possible to develop by exporting raw materials and importing finished products.”

He pledged to support ongoing infrastructure projects while expanding industries to generate jobs, empower youth and stimulate economic growth.

“My agenda is to ensure the sustainability of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s current development trajectory, expand infrastructure and promote industries for job creation, youth empowerment and skill development using science, technology and innovation,” he said.

The former NASENI boss revealed that he has already developed a comprehensive plan for the state based on detailed assessments in all critical sectors.

“We took stock of education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure – everything,” he said.
“If there are 30 schools in a local government, we know the conditions of each one: those that need classrooms, those without water, those without facilities.”

According to him, governance must be driven by data and needs assessment rather than hypotheses.

“Development must not be based on assumptions. It must be based on needs assessment. You cannot expect to improve education by building classrooms where they are not needed,” he said.

Haruna also stressed the need to support ongoing development efforts in the state.

“The ongoing infrastructure development in Nasarawa State is something we must support,” he said, adding: “Even if it’s not me, whoever becomes governor must continue on that path.”

In his speech, one of the organizers, the Hon. Kasim T. Kasim, said the symposium, organized by democrats interested in Nasarawa State, 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 came from five local government areas in Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone, reflecting broad interest in the political future of the state.

The symposium concluded with a call for unity among party members and continued commitment as the countdown to the 2027 elections begins.

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