Shuaib made the announcement on Monday during a press briefing in Lafia, coming just days after a major rally in the state capital that drew a large crowd of supporters despite heavy rainfall.

His withdrawal comes shortly after Governor Abdullahi Sule endorsed Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as his preferred successor.

Speaking to journalists, Shuaib said his decision followed wide consultations with supporters and stakeholders across the state, adding that it was based on integrity and his promise to stand by his word.

He explained that he had committed to support whoever the governor selects as his preferred candidate, stressing that the pledge was not conditional on convenience.

According to him, “Painful as it is, I must honour it,” adding that public service demands consistency, discipline, and responsibility, even in difficult moments.

The former Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) noted that leadership is not always about prominence, but about staying committed to duty.

Shuaib further announced his full support for Senator Wadada, saying he would mobilise his political structure in backing the governor’s choice.

He described his withdrawal as a difficult but necessary step, while assuring that his support base remains intact and committed to the party’s direction.

He also thanked his supporters across Nasarawa State for their loyalty and urged them to remain united and work towards the success of the APC.

Additionally, he expressed confidence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the ongoing reforms would eventually yield positive results.

The announcement reportedly left many supporters and stakeholders visibly emotional, with some expressing disappointment over his sudden exit from the race.

Governor Abdullahi Sule had recently declared Senator Ahmed Wadada as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship race.

The allegation was made on Monday in Lafia by Isa Nathaniel, chairman of the Mobilisation Team.

Nathaniel said the alleged plan poses a serious threat to internal democracy, claiming that pressure is being mounted on ward executives across the 147 wards in the state to support the governor’s choice.

He noted that party stakeholders had earlier agreed to adopt direct primaries for all elective positions, a system designed to guarantee a “one member, one vote” process and prevent imposition of candidates.

He described any attempt to influence or force endorsements as a violation of that agreement.

According to him, such actions also go against the APC constitution, which provides clear procedures for the democratic selection of candidates.

Nathaniel stressed that ward executives, as elected representatives of grassroots party members, should not be subjected to intimidation or undue influence.

He warned that imposing candidates through coercion could trigger internal disputes and weaken the party’s chances in future elections.

He therefore called on the national leadership of the APC to urgently intervene and ensure strict compliance with due process during the primaries in the state.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to closely monitor developments to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

Nathaniel appealed to party members and supporters to remain calm and participate peacefully in the scheduled May 21 primary election, reaffirming the group’s commitment to a transparent and fair process.

Meanwhile, the state APC chairman, Dr Aliyu Bello, has assured party members of credible, free, and fair direct primaries to select the party’s flag bearers ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event, held at the Haliru Audu Stadium, was aimed at mobilising support for women’s groups and was attended by Governor Nasir Idris, his wife, and several party supporters.

Eyewitnesses said the woman had attended the gathering to seek assistance when she suddenly went into labour and gave birth to the twins at the venue. She and the newborns were later taken to a hospital for medical attention.

In response, the member representing Suru/Bagudo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Bello Dallatun Ka’oje, announced a N5 million donation on behalf of the governor to support the mother’s medical care and the naming ceremony of the children.