By Isa Galanbi

The recent opinion piece titled “Senator Wadada Simply Doesn’t Represent That Future” written by Abdulhaqq Dauda Agbo which appeared in Nasarawa Mirror, is not only riddled with sweeping generalizations and political bitterness but also exposes a fundamental misunderstanding of what leadership truly entails. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it must be stated clearly that opinions not grounded in facts amount to little more than noise only to attract attention.

Let us deal with the facts.

Senator Wadada was elected to represent the good people of Nasarawa West in 2023, and from day one, he has shown a commitment to service that goes beyond all expectations. Unlike many who rely on media stunts and performative politics, Wadada has focused on the hard work of governance, building bridges, facilitating federal interventions, and strategically lobbying for development across his constituency. The idea that his tenure has been “marked more by political positioning than public service” is not just misleading, it is patently false.

Where was Abdulhaqq Dauda Agbo when Senator Wadada facilitated federal road rehabilitation projects, pushed for increased funding for youth development programs in Nasarawa West, or attracted critical infrastructure proposals to the Senate floor? To label a serving senator “absent” or “silent” because he is not your candidate doesn’t speaks good of a public commentator.

As for legislative impact, the record is clear. Senator Wadada has sponsored and co-sponsored bills aimed at improving education, health, and security in Nasarawa state. His strategic alliances in the Senate are not for personal gain, but to ensure Nasarawa doesn’t get left behind in national policy conversations. His politics are issue-based, and his vision is long-term, not the short-sighted, microwave-style politics that some critics seem to favor.

The author also makes an outrageous claim that Senator Wadada “cannot unite the state.” This is laughable coming from someone whose article does more to sow seeds of division than offer any constructive vision for unity. Senator Wadada is one of the few leaders with deep, cross-ethnic appeal in Nasarawa state. His political base cuts across religion, tribe, and class. He doesn’t play the politics of exclusion or bitterness, unlike his detractors.

Let’s be honest: the real discomfort with Senator Wadada stems from the fact that he doesn’t play by the old political rulebook. He is not a puppet, he’s not part of any godfather network, and he refuses to engage in tokenism. That independence is threatening to the status quo, and perhaps that’s why certain individuals would rather distort facts than confront reality.

If the author truly cared about “credible, competent, and people-centered leadership,” then Senator Wadada would be at the top of that list. Because competence is not loud. It is seen in results. It is seen in policy. It is seen in the respect a leader commands at home and in Abuja.

To the people of Nasarawa: beware of those who claim to speak for the masses but have no history of service, no grassroots credibility, and no alternative ideas, only attacks and recycled talking points.

Senator Wadada represents a future rooted in vision, delivery, and dignity. It’s time critics did their homework before publishing half-baked political hit pieces masked as “opinions.”