A Former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Hon. Silas Ali Agara has formally declared his intention to contest the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat come 2027, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC ).
Agara recently resigned his position as the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), to answer what he described as a clarion call from his constituents.
Addressing the APC State Working Committee at the party Secretariat in Lafia on Thursday, Hon Agara appealed to the party leadership to ensure internal democracy prevails.
He also called on the State Party Chairman, Dr Aliyu Bello to guarantee that the selection process remained transparent and unbiased.
“I have embarked on a journey I will call a Christian missionary journey to make my humble contribution to the growth and development of this State.
“To heed the clarion call of our people, I have decided to resign my appointment. Iam doing so to honour the call of our people and to add value to the politics of the State.
“For me, Silas Agara, Iam not competing with anyone for a stage. The stage is large enough for all of us to be able to show and to prove our worth,” he added.
“Our assignment here is simple: to formally let you know of our aspirations and to provide that level playing field for all of us,” Agara told the committee.
“I believe that as party members, we should play by the rules. We’ll be ready to abide by the rules of the party”, he said.
He however warned that the road to 2027 would be challenging, noting that the party is “not immune” to difficulties.
According to him, unity remains the only way to ensure that APC maintains the seat of power.
Responding, the State APC Chairman, Dr Aliyu Bello, lauded Agara’s courage, noting that it is rare for a politician to relinquish a stable federal position for the uncertainties of a grassroots campaign.
“It takes a man of courage, a man of vision, and a man who loves his people to resign from a tenured federal appointment to come back home and serve,” Bello said.
Addressing the call for fairness, Bello offered a firm guarantee to Agara and his supporters.
“To provide a level playing field—this, I want to assure you and every other aspirant, is our primary mandate. The APC in Nasarawa State, under my leadership, will ensure that the rules of the party are followed to the letter. We will ensure that every aspirant is given a fair chance”, he said.
