By Dr. Idris Keana

In the shifting political landscape of Nasarawa State, one name has refused to fade with the tides of party realignments, electoral battles, and power struggles: Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada. From the early days of his public service to his triumphant entry into the Senate in 2023, Wadada’s political journey has become the defining narrative of resilience, grassroots connection, and leadership rooted in service.

For many in Nasarawa, Wadada is not a politician who suddenly emerged; he is a long-standing figure whose footprints are visible in the state’s political and social development. As a former member of the House of Representatives, his tenure was marked by visible constituency projects and policies that resonated with ordinary citizens. That legacy remained strong enough to fuel his remarkable senatorial victory in 2023, where he contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and defeated bigger political machines. It was a victory that declared, “It was Wadada.”

In today’s Nasarawa, the people yearn for leaders who combine integrity with capacity — leaders who can bridge the gap between the promises of democracy and the realities of governance. Wadada’s independent spirit, legislative track record, and deep grassroots reach have placed him in the center of conversations about who is best positioned to lead the state into the next decade. His ability to rally support across ethnic, religious, and political divides makes him a rare figure in Nasarawa’s competitive political environment. That is why many observers say, “It is Wadada.”

As the 2027 governorship election approaches, expectations around Wadada’s candidacy are mounting. Supporters argue that his time has come, not simply because of personal ambition, but because Nasarawa requires a leader capable of balancing modernization with inclusivity. Wadada’s vision, if carried forward, promises a leadership that prioritizes infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, and economic diversification. His steady rise — powered by the people rather than imposed by political godfathers — gives credence to the claim, “It shall be Wadada.”

Politics in Nasarawa has often been shaped by compromises, alliances, and the dominance of powerful blocs. Wadada represents a departure from that order: a leader who has proven that loyalty to the people, not political establishments, is the ultimate key to power. His name has become more than a personal identity; it is now a rallying point for those who believe Nasarawa deserves better.

In the words echoing from the grassroots to the chambers of Abuja: “It was Wadada. It is Wadada. And it shall be Wadada.”