The growing popularity of Hon. Haruna Abubakar Arafat Magaji ahead of the 2027 general elections is causing concern among other aspirants seeking to represent Gurara, Suleja and Tafa Federal Constituency.
The constituency’s Woman Leader, Hajiya Jamila Abubakar, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
She described Arafat as a leader with a clear understanding of how to utilise legislative instruments to ensure equitable distribution of democratic dividends across the constituency.
According to her, this perception has driven stakeholders and voters in Gurara, Suleja and Tafa to openly declare support for his candidature, expressing confidence in his ability to improve development across the area.
Jamila noted that the support base for Arafat has continued to expand beyond his home local government of Gurara, gaining traction in Suleja and Tafa.
She recalled that during the 2023 general election cycle, Arafat secured significant backing from party members and stakeholders during the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary. However, she alleged that a controversial process prevented him from participating in the general election.
The seat was eventually won by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Rt. Hon. Adamu Tanko Lokoja.
Despite the setback, Jamila said the experience has strengthened the resolve of Arafat’s supporters to mobilise ahead of the 2027 polls.
She added that the growing acceptance of Arafat’s candidature across the constituency has intensified political competition, raising questions for other aspirants, including Lokoja, who recently defected to the APC.
Political observers say the race for the Gurara, Suleja and Tafa Federal Constituency seat is expected to be highly competitive as the 2027 general election approaches.