By Bala Dan-Akali

What was meant to be a celebration of legacy and unity at the Lafia Old Students’ Association (LOSA) 2025 National Convention turned into a defining political moment, one that may well shape the future of Nasarawa State. All eyes were on Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu as he took the stage, and though he never uttered the words outright, the message was unmistakable: he is ready to lead Nasarawa as its next governor.

Dressed in his signature white, calm confidence, Senator Wadada stood before the gathering not just as a politician, but as a symbol of the future many in the state have longed for. Despite not being an alumnus of Government Science School (GSS) Lafia, his powerful declaration to the effect that: “I am not LOSA, but I am LOSA” resonated deeply. It wasn’t just wordplay. It was a bold expression of solidarity and a public pledge of his emotional and historical investment in the people of Lafia and, by extension, Nasarawa state.

His remarks struck a chord, but it was a moving account by the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Mohammad Bage that solidified the Wadada’s stature. The Emir recounted how Wadada, while on a trip to Dubai, urgently returned home to attend to critical state matters. This decision, at a time when public trust in political leadership is low, underscored Wadada’s dedication to service over self-interest. In a country where absentee leadership is far too common, Wadada’s swift action painted a portrait of the kind of governor Nasarawa may sorely need after Engr Abdullahi Sule, very responsive, and committed.

Observers at the convention took note not only of Senator Wadada’s message but of his manner. His public camaraderie with LOSA President Dr. Faisal Shu’aib, despite their differing political ambitions, offered a rare glimpse of unity in Nasarawa’s political environment. For a state often marred by divisive politics, this gesture hinted at a new brand of leadership: one that builds bridges, not walls.

Wadada’s ₦5 million donation to GSS Lafia capped the event, but from all parameters one decides to look at it, the gift will served as tangible proof of Senator Wadada’s commitment to education and youth development, two pillars central to Nasarawa’s growth. For many, the donation reflected not just generosity, but a preview of a governance style rooted in action, empathy, and long-term thinking.

Political analysts suggest that the timing and tone of Wadada’s remarks at the LOSA convention were no accident. “This was not just a speech, it was a statement of intent,” said one political observer in Lafia. “He’s positioning himself as the people’s candidate, someone deeply connected to the cultural and social fabric of the state.”

With the 2027 gubernatorial race already gaining momentum, Senator Wadada’s rising profile is one to watch. His performance at the LOSA convention served as both a campaign soft launch and a litmus test, and by all appearances, he passed the test by all standard.

As Nasarawa stands on the cusp of change, the demand for visionary, accessible leadership has never been more urgent. Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, through his words and actions at LOSA 2025, has offered himself as that leader. Whether the electorate will rally behind his vision remains to be seen, but if the LOSA convention was any indication, a political tide may already be turning.