By Sam Israel JP.

In politics, noise is often louder than nuance, and theatrics sometimes overshadow truth. That appears to be the case with the recent opinion piece titled “A Senator For Show: Wadada’s Hollow Spectacle In Lafia Reveals A Void In Representation” by one Joshua Emmanuel Ekpo. The article, riddled with emotional swipes and selective comparisons, attempts to discredit the work of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada (Sark Yakin Keffi) and (Magajin Danjin Lafian Bere- Beri) Senator representing the good people of the western senatorial zone at the National Assembly by focusing on a single ceremonial event while willfully ignoring his broader efforts in legislative service, community engagement, and forward-thinking leadership.

The Lafia Event: More Than Meets the Eye

Let us begin with the alleged “hollow spectacle” — the turbaning event in Lafia. Contrary to Ekpo’s reductionist narrative, the Lafia outing was not merely about glamour or optics. It was a calculated step toward regional cohesion and political bridge-building. In a diverse state like Nasarawa, unity among senatorial zones is not optional; it is essential. As a leader with gubernatorial prospects, Senator Wadada understands that winning the trust of all zones — including Lafia — requires visibility, relationship-building, and cultural diplomacy. That is what the event represented.

What Has Senator Wadada Done?

The writer conveniently omits the numerous initiatives Senator Wadada has either sponsored, facilitated, or influenced since assuming office in 2023:

Legislative Productivity: Senator Wadada has been an active voice in the National Assembly, co-sponsoring bills on education, renewable energy, and youth employment — all critical to Nasarawa’s future.

Empowerment Through Strategy, Not Stunts: Unlike those who splash expensive equipment on a few individuals for media applause, Wadada believes in sustainable empowerment. This includes ongoing plans to establish skill acquisition centres across Nasarawa West, with a focus on agriculture, ICT, and vocational training.

Healthcare Advocacy: The claim that Senator Wadada has ignored healthcare is both false and mischievous. He has initiated consultations with the Federal Ministry of Health and private partners to improve hospital infrastructure in Keffi, Nasarawa, Toto, Kokona and beyond — a deliberate process requiring due diligence and long-term planning.

Support for Youth and Women: Over 500 youths and women have benefited directly from Senator Wadada’s constituency outreach, including startup grants, job placement facilitation, and educational scholarships.

Real Representation Isn’t Always Loud

Ekpo cites another senator under suspension as a yardstick for good representation — an ironic comparison that reveals more about his bias than about Wadada’s record. The idea that “a good product needs no advertisement” is a tired cliché. In a democracy, visibility matters. Representation involves both doing and being seen to do. Senator Wadada walks this balance with wisdom — not noise.

A True Son of Nasarawa West

The innuendo that Senator Wadada’s “ties to Nasarawa” are questionable is not only insulting, it is intellectually lazy. This is a man who has served Nasarawa at both state and federal levels for over two decades, including as a member of the House of Representatives and now as a senator. His philanthropic efforts long predate his Senate ambition. He is not a political tourist — he is homegrown, rooted, and respected.

What Kind of Leader Do We Need in 2027?

Ekpo calls for a leader focused on human capital development, agriculture, energy, and youth empowerment. On that, we agree. But he fails to realize that the only current political figure with the proven capacity, the expansive vision, and the cross-zonal acceptability to deliver on these fronts is none other than Senator Ahmed Wadada.

So let us not be distracted by contrived critiques. Instead, let us focus on building a Nasarawa where our politics is elevated beyond petty name-calling and anchored in development-focused dialogue. Senator Wadada welcomes scrutiny — but let it be based on facts, not fiction.

As 2027 approaches, the people of Nasarawa West — and indeed the entire state — know the difference between a real leader and a rhetorical warrior. The journey is just beginning, and Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu is more than ready.

Sam Israel is the Senior Special Assistant to Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.