By Rayyanu Bala
Distinguished Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada needs no further introduction to the people of Nasarawa State and beyond. Senator Wadada is one person who knows his onions when it comes to playing politics within the state and at the federal level. He carves out his own niche in the game of politics so much so that today in Nigeria, apart from being a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Wadada happens to be among the top movers and shakers of Nigerian politics and economy. Take it or leave it, Senator Wadada has distinguished himself as one of the top Nigerians who, when they cough, some must sneeze.
Senator Wadada may not be among the top captains of industries in Nigeria, but virtually all Nigerian captains of industries know who Senator Wadada is, know his worth, and know what he is capable of doing. Name any Nigerian who excels either in politics or in business, and I will show you Senator Wadada’s connection with that person and how he is being revered. The Dangotes of this world, the Odetolas of this world, the Abdulsamad of this world, the Onanuga’s of this world—you name them—these people know who Senator Wadada is, and in fact, they all have tremendous respect for him.
In areas of partisan politics, virtually all the known political juggernauts in the North and the South, there is none of them that Senator Wadada has no affinity with, irrespective of their political parties. Is it now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Rabiu Kwankwaso, El-rufai, the Atikus, or the Wikes, among others? Senator Wadada is a household name for all these juggernauts.
Since he ventured into partisan politics, Senator Wadada remains consistent and straight-forward. His consistency and straight-forwardness are what endeared him to the old and the young, the rich and the poor. It was indeed this character trait that made it easier for him to win his election for the first time when he contested for the Federal House of Representatives to represent Keffi/Karu Federal Constituency. Throughout his stay at the Green Chamber, Senator Wadada never put his personal interests above the interests of his constituents. All his dreams are centered on how to improve the living conditions of his people, empower the less privileged and provide for the women and children of his constituency. To the glory of Almighty Allah, Senator Wadada did not fail in realization of this dream, as his stay at the Green Chamber recorded huge achievements that no one can contest. Senator Wadada’s efforts at the Green Chamber made his name a household name to not only the people of the western senatorial district but to the entire people of Nasarawa State.
Without fear of being contradicted, today in Nasarawa State, if there is a name that is much talked about by both friends and foes, that name is that of Senator Wadada. As said earlier, Senator Wadada is a politician of many clouts, which explains why whenever he vies for any elective position, his standing in the contest has always been extra ordinary. When he contested the Nasarawa state governorship election in 2019, his performance was not only extraordinary but also very impressive and frightening, as he emerged second to the serving governor, Abdullahi Sule. His performance was impressive and frightening because, despite the Al-Makura force and other forces behind Governor Sule, Senator Wadada still fought the storm and came second with a close margin. As a believer in destiny, Senator Wadada took an active part in the election of Governor Sule in 2019 when he went around the state campaigning until victory came to Governor Sule. He again repeated the same efforts in 2023 as he went round the state campaigning for the re-election of Governor Sule, in spite of both of them belonging to different political parties.
Events leading to the 2023 elections have further exposed Senator Wadada’s political dexterity when he contested for a senatorial seat under a relatively unknown political party. All the gang-ups and machinations against Senator Wadada did not stop him from emerging as senator. As someone with high respect for elders, Senator Wadada, despite his emergence as senator, it did not stop him from seeing all his detractors as friends as he paid tribute to all those who worked for or against his aspiration.
Against this background, it is inappropriate to suggest that Senator Wadada does not have respect for elders. If there is one politician who has tremendous respect for all categories of human beings, that politician is Senator Wadada. From his antecedents, Senator Wadada has never looked down upon anybody, regardless of age, tribe or creed. It is for these reasons that Senator Wadada is being called upon to serves as special guest across ethnic and religious functions in the state. Just last week, Senator Wadada served as special guest at a Tiv occasion in Obi Local Government and also served as special guest at Mada Day in Akwanga.

Prior to last week, Senator Wadada had attended various functions that have to do with one cultural associations or the other in the state, all geared towards one thing which is his aspiration for the occupation of the Shendam road Government House in 2027. But the big question is: Can Senator Wadada contest for the office of governor of Nasarawa state in 2027? The answer is capital yes, since He has shown in many ways that he will. Senator Wadada is neither a religious nor  ethnically bigoted.