By Bala Dan- Alkali

When political commentary descends into convenient character assassinations masked as concern for party loyalty, it becomes necessary to set the record straight. Ibrahim Musa Andafu’s recent piece, “Senator Wadada And The Politics Of Convenience”, is not just a lopsided opinion, it is a thinly veiled attempt to malign a man whose political trajectory has been defined not by opportunism, but by courage, principle, and an unwavering connection to the grassroots.

Let’s begin with facts not fiction. Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada’s exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2022 was not a reckless desertion, as Andafu would have readers believe. It was a response to internal injustice, the suppression of democratic norms, and a rigged primary process that insulted the intelligence of party faithful. Senator Wadada chose dignity over submission, principles over personal comfort and was vindicated by the people of Nasarawa West who elected him overwhelmingly under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). That victory was not manufactured by media “cosmetics” but by genuine grassroots support and public trust.

Andafu’s central accusation that Senator Wadada is a political “somersaulter” collapses under basic scrutiny. Since when did listening to one’s constituents and responding to evolving political landscapes become a crime? Senator Wadada’s return to the APC is not because he is seeking convenience, but because democracy is fluid, and real leaders adapt to serve their people better. His movement between parties has always been driven by principles and protest against impunity not blind ambition.

And let’s not pretend that the APC, like any political party, does not welcome returnees. In fact, it has a history of embracing defectors who bring value, vision, and viable leadership. Senator Wadada’s return, would not be a liability but an asset, a reaffirmation of his relevance and political capital. It is laughable to suggest that a man who won a senatorial seat on a minority party ticket in a section dominated by the APC is somehow a hollow figure inflated by publicity.

Furthermore, this sanctimonious appeal to “loyalty” rings hollow in the mouth of those who stood silent when the APC was hijacked by selfish interests. Loyalty to a party should not mean loyalty to injustice. Wadada’s actions remind us that real political courage lies in walking away when systems are broken, not clinging to a sinking ship out of fear or favor.

It’s also worth noting the contradiction at the heart of Andafu’s piece: he accuses Wadada of chasing popularity, yet devotes nearly a thousand words to attacking his rising influence. If the Senator Wadada is truly irrelevant, why the obsession?

The truth is this: Senator Wadada is not a manufactured leader. He is a tested one. His track record in the House of Representatives, his consistent advocacy for his people, and his senatorial performance speak louder.

In 2027, the APC must choose between lightweight aspirants and heavyweight. Between empty loyalty and effective leadership. If Wadada steps forward, he does so not as a political chameleon, but as a proven leader with dozens of credentials to show.