By Victor Akawu

In a significant political development that has been the talk of Nasarawa State and beyond, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu has officially resigned from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This was made known Wednesday via a letter addressed to the chairman of SDP, Tudun Kofa Ward, Keffi, wherein Senator Wadada cited the lingering internal crisis within the party as the major reason behind his decision to withdraw his membership of the SDP.

This move, rooted in principle rather than personal ambition, marks a new chapter in Senator Wadada’s dynamic career and is set to reshape the political landscape of Nasarawa State and contribute positively to national politics.

Senator Wadada’s decision to leave the SDP was not taken lightly. In his resignation letter, he explained that the lingering internal crisis within the SDP had created serious divisions and legal battles, making it difficult for the party to function effectively.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunities and relationships he gained during his time with the SDP but stated that it was time to move on and explore new avenues . This principled stand highlights his commitment to stability and effective governance over mere partisan loyalty.

His return to the APC is seen as a homecoming essentially because Senator Wadada was a foundation member of the APC. He was the national financial secretary of the defunct nPDP that participated in the alliance which gave birth to the APC in 2013. Wadada had been actively involved in the party since its formation until late 2022 when circumstances forced him to leave the party in order to actualize his senatorial ambition.

Despite this success, his heart remained with the APC, and he maintained close ties with key figures in the party, including President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a long-time associate.

Senator Wadada’s return to the APC is not driven by selfish interests but by a desire to contribute to a platform he believes is best suited for delivering good governance. He has made it clear that he is not joining the party to displace anyone but to work collaboratively towards common goals.

His intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa State is based on his belief that the APC provides a veritable platform for such aspirations. His focus is on leveraging his experience and widespread acceptance to serve the people better, not on creating unnecessary friction within the party.

The significance of Senator Wadada’s return to the APC cannot be overstated. For the party, his comeback is a major boost. The APC in Nasarawa State has welcomed his return, highlighting that his experience and influence will strengthen the party.

His high visibility and strong grassroots support are evident from the fact that he leads in overall mentions among potential gubernatorial candidates, reflecting his significant resonance with the electorate.

This ability to generate public engagement and maintain a visible profile is a valuable asset for the APC as it prepares for future elections.

For Nasarawa State, Senator Wadada’s move promises to enhance the quality of political discourse and governance. His reputation as a prepared and widely accepted politician means that his participation in the APC will likely raise the bar for governance issues in the state.

His commitment to ethical leadership and development aligns with the state’s needs, particularly in areas like resource management, infrastructure, and tourism, as highlighted by other political actors in the state. His return is expected to foster healthy competition and encourage a focus on issues that matter to the people.

At the national level, Senator Wadada’s alignment with President Tinubu’s vision underscores a broader commitment to transformative leadership. He has publicly praised President Tinubu’s policies, including bold economic reforms and infrastructural projects like the Sokoto-Badagry and Abuja-Kano roads.

His support for the administration’s efforts in areas such as tax reform, which exempts low-income earners, and foreign exchange management, reflects his belief in policies that benefit the masses.

This national perspective adds depth to his political profile and reinforces the APC’s agenda as one of progress and development.

Senator Wadada’s political dexterity is evident in his ability to navigate complex political landscapes while maintaining his principles. His journey from the APC to the SDP and back again was not driven by opportunism but by circumstances and a commitment to finding the right platform for service.

His resilience and adaptability have earned him respect across party lines, making him a unifying figure in a often divided political environment.

Senator Wadada’s return to the APC is a positive development for the party, Nasarawa State, and Nigeria. His principled approach, extensive experience, and widespread acceptance make him a valuable asset to the APC.

The senator’s focus on development issues further raises governance expectations. He has been actively leveraging his position to drive development across various sectors in Nasarawa State, including sponsoring motions for educational upgrades and supporting infrastructure projects.

His practical approach to politics emphasizes addressing systemic inequities and delivering tangible benefits to constituents, which sets a higher standard for what voters might expect from APC leadership.

Wadada is widely regarded as a politician with significant grassroots support and an ability to transcend partisan loyalties. His reputation as a bridge-builder across ethnic and religious lines in Nasarawa State adds considerable weight to his political influence.

This cross-party appeal means that his return to APC strengthens the party’s standing among diverse voter groups and increases public expectations for effective governance and inclusive development.

Wadada’s political style combines loyalty with pragmatism, maintaining good relationships with both state and federal APC governments while focusing on local priorities. This balancing act allows him to secure federal support for state development initiatives while remaining attentive to grassroots needs, potentially enhancing the state’s ability to benefit from national resources and policies.

Indeed, and as the 2027 gubernatorial race approaches, Wadada’s return to APC introduces a more competitive environment that could ultimately benefit governance in the state. With multiple potential contenders already emerging for the election, including several with strong credentials, Wadada’s presence adds an experienced and popular figure to the mix.

Political watchers believe that this competition will likely push all aspirants to focus more strongly on substantive governance issues and development plans rather than relying solely on political patronage or ethno-religious sentiment.

Infact, the heightened political activity surrounding Wadada’s move has drawn greater public attention to governance matters in Nasarawa State. It is to be understood that as voters become more engaged with political developments, they are likely to demand greater accountability and better performance from their leaders, ultimately raising the standards for what constitutes acceptable governance in the state.

Wadada’s return to APC, therefore, has not only strengthened the party’s political position but has also elevated public discourse around governance issues in the state. His track record of development focus, cross-community appeal, and practical politics is setting a higher benchmark for political leadership, potentially leading to improved governance outcomes regardless of which candidate ultimately succeeds in the 2027 elections.

Akawu is the Special Assistant on Social Media to Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu