Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday publicly endorsed Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as the likely successor to Governor Abdullahi Sule ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Nasarawa State.

Shettima made the remark during the opening of the Nasarawa Investment Summit 2026 in Lafia, where he assured investors that the state’s economic reforms and investment policies would remain stable beyond the current administration.

The two-day summit, themed “Bold Transitions, Building a Legacy for a Sustainable Future,” is the final investment forum under Governor Sule’s administration and is aimed at sustaining economic reforms after the 2027 elections.

Addressing delegates, including investors, political leaders, traditional rulers, governorship aspirants and development partners, the Vice President expressed confidence that Wadada would continue the state’s development agenda.

“I want to assure the investing public that, by the grace of God, seated in our midst here is the next governor of Nasarawa. He would abide by the contract,” Shettima said.

The Vice President described Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District, as a technocrat with strong banking and administrative experience.

“Senator Wadada, you have your job cut out for you. We wish you well,” he added.

Wadada is widely regarded as Governor Sule’s preferred successor ahead of the APC governorship primary.

The summit also featured the unveiling of the Lafia Declaration, a commitment by political parties, the legislature, judiciary, investors and development partners to sustain Nasarawa’s reform agenda beyond the next political transition.

Shettima said continuity in governance and policy implementation was essential to maintaining investor confidence and long-term economic growth.

“The greatest gift any leader can leave is the certainty that progress will survive after him,” the Vice President stated.