With the 2027 gubernatorial race still over a year away, political momentum is rapidly building across Nasarawa State, and one name continues to dominate the conversation: Musa Ahmed Mohammed, fondly called Barade Nasarawa, the current Accountant General of Nasarawa State.
From the hills of Akwanga to the plains of Keana, a wave of calls from youth groups, grassroots organisers, and political stakeholders is sweeping through the state, urging Barade to throw his hat into the gubernatorial ring.
Recently, the Barade Youth Vanguard, a newly inaugurated political pressure group, took the first major public step by declaring their full support for the Accountant General of Nasarawa State to contest in 2027.
The event in Akwanga attracted hundreds of enthusiastic youths who sang, marched, and waved banners declaring Barade the “Hope of Nasarawa North” and the “Preferred Successor to Governor Abdullahi Sule.”
Usman Umar Abdullahi, who is the leader of the group, delivered an impassioned appeal to Barade: “You have the experience, the vision, and the integrity. The people want you. We urge you to accept this call to serve.”
Barely 24 hours later, the movement spread further into the grassroots, with the Barade Youth Movement Keana organising a strategic community interaction at Central Primary School, Keana.
There, youths and women from all electoral wards in Keana Local Government converged to reiterate a shared desire: “We want Barade for Governor, 2027.”
Speakers at the Keana event praised Barade’s record of performance as a two-term Speaker of the State House of Assembly and his current role as Accountant General, where he has introduced digital reforms to improve transparency in public finance.
“These innovations under his leadership have strengthened the financial foundation of Governor Sule’s administration. Barade is not just an accountant, he’s a reformer,” one attendee, Yusuf Ibrahim, said.
Beyond technical reforms, Barade’s supporters point to his calm demeanour, principled leadership, and unmatched qualifications in both academic and public service.
Musa Ahmed Mohammed holds a PhD in Accounting and Finance and is a certified chartered accountant with over 32 years of experience in the civil service and many years in academia.
If he had not resigned from the federal civil service to join politics, he would be just two years away from mandatory retirement.
“Three of his mates are permanent secretaries, while some are directors today at the federal level. That tells you the level of leadership and competence we are talking about,” said a young man who simply gave his name as Jude.
So far, he has maintained a stoic silence, choosing not to comment on the calls. But this silence is only fueling speculation and further energising his supporters.
In political gatherings, mosque sermons, and social media discussions, one question is becoming common: Will Barade accept the call?
“It’s not just about politics anymore. It’s about destiny. We believe he’s been prepared for a time like this,” said Mariam from Keana.
Posters bearing slogans like “Barade 2027: Competence. Character. Continuity” are already appearing in public places in Akwanga, Lafia, Doma, Keffi and other local governments.
Political watchers say the widespread push for Barade represents a yearning for professionalism in leadership especially in an era where politics is often driven by populism rather than performance.
“He’s not a typical politician. He’s a technocrat who entered into politics reluctantly. That’s exactly why people trust him,” said Haruna Wakili an analyst in Lafia.
Barade’s dual experience in the legislature and executive arm makes him a unique candidate, observers argue. He understands governance from both ends of the spectrum.
More significantly, his supporters believe he can unify the state’s diverse ethnic, religious, and regional constituencies.
“In a time when politics is increasingly divisive, we need someone who can unite us. Barade has always put the state first,” said Musa Yakubu, a youth leader in Karu.
As the campaigns of other aspirants begin to take shape, Barade remains a wild card, one whose entry could shift the entire equation in the race.
Multiple sources close to Barade say he is “carefully listening” to the calls but is yet to make a final decision.
Still, youth groups are not waiting. They’ve begun consultations with traditional leaders, religious figures, and market associations to expand support for the Barade candidacy.
In the political timeline of Nasarawa State, early mobilisation has often played a critical role, and the current push appears to be gaining traction across party lines.
Some APC members have informally expressed support for Barade, citing his close working relationship with Governor Sule and his technocratic style.
As the calls intensify, one thing remains clear: the people are not giving up. To them, their appeal is a civic duty—to convince a man they believe in, to lead a state they love.
“It is the people’s right to call on competent leadership. But it is also Barade’s responsibility to answer. Will he?” Jude asked.
In the coming weeks and months, that question will only become louder, more persistent, and more urgent.
The future of Nasarawa’s political direction may very well hinge on his answer. And as 2027 inches closer, all eyes remain on Baraden Nasarawa—accountant, reformer, lecturer, leader-in-waiting.
In an exclusive interview, Musa Ahmed Mohammed acknowledged the growing calls for him to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election. He expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by the people but emphasized that his current priority remains his role as the Accountant General of Nasarawa State.
“Yes, people have been calling me to contest, and I am deeply humbled by their belief in me. However, I am fully focused on my present assignment. My commitment is to serve diligently in the responsibility I currently hold,” he said.
Mohammed further stated that his loyalty lies firmly with Governor Abdullahi Sule, under whose leadership he has continued to contribute to the development of the state.
“Governor Sule has shown exemplary leadership and vision for Nasarawa State. My loyalty is with him and nothing else. For now, I am doing my best to support his administration in achieving its goals,” Barade added, leaving the door to future possibilities open but firmly shut for now.
