Former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Silas Agara, has officially declared his intention to contest the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Agara’s declaration comes shortly after his resignation as Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), setting the stage for a potential contest with Governor Abdullahi Sule, who has also expressed interest in the seat ahead of the end of his second term next year.
Speaking during a visit to the APC State Secretariat in Lafia on Thursday, Agara said his decision followed extensive consultations with political allies and supporters across the senatorial district.
He explained that he stepped into the race in response to what he described as a “clarion call” from the people, while also urging the party leadership to uphold internal democracy throughout the electoral process.
The former NDE boss appealed to the APC leadership, led by the state chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello, to ensure transparent, fair and unbiased primaries for all aspirants.
“I have embarked on a journey I will call a Christian missionary journey to make my humble contribution to the growth and development of this state,” Agara said.
“To heed the clarion call of our people, I decided to resign my appointment. I am doing so to honour the call of our people and to add value to the politics of the state.
“For me, Silas Agara, I am not competing with anyone for a stage. The stage is large enough for all of us to be able to show and prove our worth,” he added.
Agara noted that his visit to the party secretariat was aimed at formally notifying the leadership of his ambition and advocating a level playing field for all contestants.
“I believe that as party members, we should play by the rules. We will be ready to abide by the rules of the party,” he stated.
In his response, APC State Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello, commended Agara for leaving a secure federal appointment to pursue elective office, describing the move as courageous and people-oriented.
“It takes a man of courage, a man of vision, and a man who loves his people to resign from a tenured federal appointment to come back home and serve,” Bello said.
He also assured Agara and other aspirants of credible and transparent primaries, pledging that the party under his leadership would guarantee fairness for all contenders.
“To provide a level playing field, I want to assure you and every other aspirant that this is our primary mandate. The APC in Nasarawa State, under my leadership, will ensure that the rules of the party are followed to the latter. We will ensure that every aspirant is given a fair chance,” Bello stated.
