By Rayyanu Bala

In what many have described as a landmark moment in Nasarawa State’s political journey, stakeholders across all spheres publicly and perhaps unwittingly, endorsed Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s one-day working visit to the state. Though the visit was officially meant to commission legacy projects, it was Senator Wadada’s name that became the defining moment of the day.

At the Aliyu Akwe Banquet Hall during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement, the message was unmistakable: Nasarawa stakeholders strongly support Senator Wadada’s aspiration to contest the governorship in 2027.

When President Tinubu mentioned the name of former Inspector General Adamu, the hall remained quiet. But when he pronounced “Aliyu Wadada,” the hall exploded with cheers and applause, an undeniable sign of overwhelming acceptance.

Although the President’s visit was primarily aimed at commissioning key developmental projects initiated by Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule, it was the visible and enthusiastic embrace of Senator Wadada by the key stakeholders, including youth groups, women’s associations, and political elites that became the spotlight.

Senator Wadada, currently representing Nasarawa West and a towering figure in the state’s political arena, arrived at the event to chants of support and an outpouring of praises rarely seen in the state’s recent political history. Observers noted that the cheers for Wadada not only matched but often surpassed those of other aspirants present at the venue.

Virtually everyone at the Aliyu Akwe Banquet Hall publicly acknowledged Senator Wadada’s growing influence. Many cited his consistent engagement with constituents and his efforts to bridge ethnic and religious divides across the state as key reasons for their support.

While President Tinubu remained focused on governance and national development in his address, attendees couldn’t ignore the aura surrounding Senator Wadada. For many, the groundswell of support felt like a formal affirmation of his 2027 ambition.

Political analysts have since interpreted the show of acceptance of Senator Wadada as a clear sign that key power brokers in Nasarawa may already be aligning behind him as their preferred candidate for the upcoming elections.

“This is no ordinary show of support,” said Dr. Idris Keana, a political analyst based in Lafia. “It’s a coordinated message to the national leadership that Nasarawa is consolidating behind one of its own—and they’re doing it boldly, even in the presence of the President.”

Dr. Keana further emphasized that the President’s public mention of Wadada only served to legitimize the senator’s rising political stature.

Insiders say the presidency is aware of Senator Wadada’s increasing influence, especially his ability to build bridges across party lines and mobilize both youth and key stakeholders toward his 2027 ambition.

As the dust settles on President Tinubu’s visit, the political implications of the visit will echo for months to come.

Stakeholders have spoken with one voice, and their message is clear: Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu is the governor of Nasarawa state come 2027.

From the events of Aliyu Akwe banquet hall what is certain, however is that: Nasarawa state made an affirmation very loud and very clear on the day the President came to town.