Across Nasarawa State, political consultations have entered a feverish phase as stakeholders from youth groups and women associations to informal transport workers and small business owners intensify calls for Dr. Muhammed Musa Maikaya to formally declare for the 2027 governorship race.
What began months ago as quiet persuasion has now ballooned into a full-scale popular movement. In Lafia, the state capital, a growing number of Keke Napep riders now brand their tricycles with inscriptions such as “Maikaya for Governor” alongside his mantra, “Fresh Vision, Real Impact.” Posters and signposts bearing the same message have also become common sights across several major routes, signaling a swelling base of street-level support.
From Lafia to Akwanga and Keffi, youth organisations have been vocal in their demands that the Ciroman Toto join the contest, insisting that the state needs a leader with a track record rooted in service, philanthropy, and grassroots development.
Speaking at a recent gathering in Lafia, the spokesperson of the Nasarawa Youths Coalition for Ciroman Toto, David Yahaya, said:“Dr. Maikaya has been consistent in touching lives long before politics. His commitment to humanitarian causes, education, and empowerment is why the youths are saying: the time is now. We want him to step forward and provide the leadership Nasarawa needs.”
Women groups have echoed this sentiment. Representing women from Nasarawa South, Mrs. Aisha Ahmed described Maikaya as a “listening leader with compassion.” “He doesn’t discriminate. Whether it’s widows, market women, or rural women looking for small support to grow their businesses, he is always there. We believe he has both the empathy and the vision to take Nasarawa to greater heights,” she said.
One of the most visible indicators of rising grassroots enthusiasm is the involvement of Keke Napep riders, who have organically turned their tricycles into moving billboards for the Maikaya project.
Dozens of riders operating within the Lafia metropolis have voluntarily branded their tricycles with stickers emblazoned with Maikaya’s picture and the words:
“Fresh Vision, Real Impact — Maikaya 2027.”
A rider at the Lafia Youth Centre Junction who gave his name as Yakubu Danlami said:“Nobody paid us. We put these stickers because we believe Maikaya is different. He supports youths and the less privileged, and we know he will create opportunities that can take young people off the streets.”
For many political observers, this trend is significant. Keke riders form one of the largest informal worker blocs in the state, with strong influence at motor parks and on the daily lives of residents. Their involvement, analysts say, signals “a deeper grassroots shift.”
Market women, particularly in Lafia Modern Market and Akwanga Central Market, have also openly shown interest in Maikaya’s potential candidacy. Some have formed informal groups to mobilise support ahead of any official declaration.
At Lafia Modern Market, Mama Falmata, a vegetable seller, shared her excitement:“He helps widows, he supports traders, and he visits us without cameras. If someone like that wants to be governor, we will stand with him. We are tired of people who forget us after winning.”
Small business owners, from artisans to low-income entrepreneurs also cite Maikaya’s contributions through the Maikaya Development Foundation, which has funded scholarships, small grants, health interventions, and community development projects across the state.
In addition to traders and women groups, the Building Materials Association in Nasarawa State has also thrown its weight behind the growing calls. The association recently commended Dr. Maikaya for providing solar energy installations within their market, describing the gesture as “a lifeline for business owners who previously struggled with power outages.”
A senior member of the association said: “What Dr. Maikaya did for us with the solar energy support shows he understands the needs of business communities. This is why we believe he is fit for higher leadership responsibilities.”
Beyond the informal sector, several community leaders, businessmen, traditional actors, and political blocs continue to consult with Maikaya privately and publicly.
A stakeholder from Toto LGA, Ahmed Saliu, told journalists:“Dr. Maikaya has consistently supported our youths, widows, and communities. His style of leadership promotes unity and peace. That is why many stakeholders agree that he is the right person to build on the progress already made in the state.”
Another member of a political support group said the pressure on Maikaya to declare is “not about ambition but about capacity.” “People want a governor who understands development. Someone with experience, exposure, and humanitarian spirit. That is why the consultations are widening every day.”
Although yet to formally declare, Dr. Maikaya has acknowledged the growing calls and confirmed that consultations remain ongoing.
Speaking recently, he said:“Leadership is not a one-man endeavour. We are listening to the voices across the state. The consultations are wide, sincere, and ongoing. What we seek is inclusive governance rooted in service, accountability, and real impact.”
Observers believe his eventual declaration is all but certain, given the momentum across diverse groups and the increasingly visible branding across major towns.
With Keke riders, market women, youths, business owners, the building materials association, and political stakeholders all pushing in the same direction, the Maikaya movement appears to be expanding faster than anticipated.
Whether this groundswell culminates in a formal declaration soon remains to be seen. But one thing is undeniable:
Maikaya’s “Fresh Vision, Real Impact” message has already taken root in the streets and in the hearts of many Nasarawa residents.
