By Our Reporter

In the aftermath of the Sallah Durbar festival in Keffi Emirate, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, who is also the Sarkin Yakin Keffi, held a compelling press briefing that painted a vivid picture of his vision for Nasarawa State’s future, national politics, and his decision in shifting political alliances.

Clad in traditional royal attire that befitted his esteemed title, Senator Wadada began his address with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to God for strength and resilience amid life’s trials. “Life is synonymous with hardship, but by His grace, we push through,” he reflected, setting the tone for a speech that balanced reverence with determination.

Senator Wadada stood firmly in defense of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s governance, particularly applauding the administration’s bold economic reforms and security measures. He urged Nigerians to measure current progress against the country’s prior struggles with insecurity and economic instability. “This administration came at a very critical and difficult time. But with responsibility, the indicators are gradually improving,” he said, underscoring a message of patience and support for the ongoing reforms.

Addressing critics of the ambitious Coastal Highway project, Senator Wadada dismissed naysayers as missing the bigger picture. He described the highway as a transformative infrastructure investment that would unlock trade, tourism, and agricultural potential, linking it to his own legacy of development such as the Keffi Polo Ranch. “It’s more than a road; it’s a strategic asset that will spur economic growth and job creation,” he asserted.

He also praised the National Assembly’s handling of the contentious Tax Reform Bill, emphasizing the bill’s intent to empower states despite its imperfections, and highlighted the patriotism behind President Tinubu’s controversial removal of fuel subsidies. “States are now receiving double their previous allocations,” he pointed out, citing Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s impressive infrastructural achievements like the Keffi Flyover as evidence of the positive impact.

Reflecting on his political journey, Senator Wadada candidly explained his multiple party affiliations as responses to the evolving needs of his constituents. Having contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2023, he emphasized his appeal across party lines — garnering votes from supporters of PDP, APC, APGA, and LP alike.

However, his faith in SDP has waned amid internal conflicts and what he described as selfish politicking. “The party has become a dumping ground hijacked by selfish politicians,” Wadada lamented, revealing that recent developments within SDP and contradictory political postures by figures like former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai have pushed him “back to the drawing board.”

His critique of El-Rufai was pointed yet respectful, highlighting concerns over political integrity and consistency. “If the Senate had approved his nomination, would he be where he is today?” he questioned, underscoring the turbulent political atmosphere that influences his decisions.

Introducing the HEART Agenda: A Blueprint for Nasarawa’s Future

Amid this backdrop of political realignment, Senator Wadada unveiled his ambitious HEART Agenda, a development roadmap designed to uplift Nasarawa State by 2027. The acronym HEART stands for:

Human Development

Energy and Mineral Resources

Agriculture and Green Energy

Rural and Urban Development

Trade, Investment and Industry

Security

Central to this agenda is the establishment of three Agricultural Hubs tailored to the unique strengths of Nasarawa’s senatorial zones:

Nasarawa North: Focus on grains and root crops, enhanced by storage and irrigation

Nasarawa South: Dedicated to rice and vegetable farming, with agribusiness training centers

Nasarawa West: Centered on livestock and mechanized farming, in harmony with the state’s Fulani herding culture

“This HEART Agenda is not just policy; it is passion,” Senator Wadada proclaimed. “Whether they love me or not, the name Wadada is in every heart — some in love, some in opposition, but always in the heart of the people.”

Senator Ahmed Wadada’s post-Durbar briefing transcended routine political discourse. It was a candid, visionary manifesto blending faith, pragmatism, and regional pride. With Nasarawa State facing an increasingly complex political landscape ahead of 2027, Wadada’s unwavering commitment and influence continue to resonate deeply — not just in Nasarawa West, but across the entire state.

As the state gears toward future elections and development challenges, the Senator Wadada’s HEART agenda promises a comprehensive approach to addressing both the aspirations and hardships of his people, embodying a leadership style rooted in both tradition and forward-thinking innovation.