The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Nasarawa State, Senator Ahmed Wadada, on Thursday unveiled his five-point development agenda, tagged HEART, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Wadada also commended President Bola Tinubu‘s economic reforms, saying major economic indicators have improved since the administration assumed office in May 2023.
He spoke with journalists after meeting the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Wadada praises Tinubu’s economic reforms
The APC candidate said Nigeria’s economy now shows stronger signs of growth than it did before the current administration took office.
He cited improvements in foreign reserves, the stability of the naira following the unification of the foreign exchange market, as well as gains in the balance of payments, balance of trade, capital market capitalisation and infrastructure development.
“That is not to say all is well. Much more needs to be done,” he said.
However, Wadada argued that anyone who ignores those improvements fails to acknowledge the progress recorded so far.
HEART agenda focuses on five sectors
Explaining his development blueprint, Wadada said the acronym HEART reflects the priorities of his administration.
Under the plan, H stands for human capital development, with emphasis on education and healthcare.
The letter E represents energy and mineral resources. Wadada said the Electricity Act now allows states to generate electricity. He added that Nasarawa hosts Nigeria’s first and second lithium processing plants.
For A, the agenda prioritises agriculture and the green economy.
To drive agricultural growth, Wadada proposed three agricultural hubs, one in each senatorial district. Each hub would focus on the comparative advantage of its zone.
Meanwhile, R represents rural and urban development, while T stands for trade, investment and security.
“In today’s world, there is virtually nothing you can achieve significantly without energy. And if you talk mineral resources, you are talking Nasarawa State; they are synonymous,” he said.
Promises continuity
Wadada pledged to build on the achievements of Governor Abdullahi Sule if elected.
According to him, the outgoing administration has raised Nasarawa’s profile and expanded its economic opportunities.
“There cannot be any mediocrity after a Sule. The present administration in Nasarawa State has raised the bar, broadened and deepened the scope of what Nasarawa State is,” he said.
Confident of continuing that progress, the APC candidate said his administration would deliver on the expectations of residents.
Grassroots experience
The APC governorship candidate also highlighted the historical significance of the Keffi Emirate, saying its influence once extended to the area now occupied by the Presidential Villa.
Beyond its history, he said Nasarawa possesses enormous potential that can be harnessed for development.
Drawing on his grassroots experience, Wadada described himself as a leader who understands the needs and aspirations of the people.
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