Vice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed confidence that Sen. Ahmed Wadada would succeed Gov. Abdullahi Sule as Nasarawa governor in 2027.
Shettima stated this on Wednesday in Lafia at the opening of the two-day Nasarawa Investment Summit 2026, themed “Bold Transition: Building a Legacy for a Sustainable Future.”
The vice-president said the state’s economic trajectory would remain stable beyond the 2027 elections, assuring investors of policy continuity irrespective of leadership change.
“I want to assure the investing public that, by the grace of God, seated in our midst is the next governor of Nasarawa. He will abide by the contract,” he said.
He described Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District, as a technocrat with a strong banking background capable of sustaining ongoing reforms.
According to him, the senator “cut his teeth in the banking industry” and would continue from where Sule would stop.
Shettima, who addressed a gathering of investors, traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders, emphasised the importance of continuity in governance to sustain investor confidence.
Turning directly to Wadada, the vice-president said: “Sen. Wadada, you have your job cut out for you. We wish you well.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit is the last investment forum under Sule’s administration and is aimed at institutionalising economic reforms beyond the 2027 elections.
As part of the event, stakeholders launched the Lafia Declaration, a voluntary commitment by political parties, the legislature, judiciary, development partners and investors to sustain the state’s reform agenda.
The declaration is expected to reassure investors that existing policies and agreements would remain intact after the transition.
Shettima stressed that enduring progress should outlive political tenures, noting that continuity anchored on competence and character remained critical to national development.
“The greatest gift any leader can leave is the certainty that progress will survive after him,” he said.