By Rayyanu Bala

In what appeared to be more than just a social gesture, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State recently led powerful delegation to the high-profile wedding ceremony in Kano. The delegation, which included Senator Ahmed Wadada, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Adon Garin Lafia, and Nasir Kwarra, attended the wedding  ceremony of  Daughter of  Sayyu Dantata, an uncle to Alh. Aliko Dangote,  Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group, one of Nigeria’s most influential businessmen.

While on the surface this may seem like a routine act of camaraderie, deeper political undertones cannot be ignored, especially considering the ambitions of Senator Wadada, who is widely believed to be the next governor come 2027.

Governor Sule’s choice of representatives for such a prestigious event is telling. Senator Wadada, a rising political force and former member of the House of Representatives, has not hidden his desire to succeed Sule. By including him in this high-profile representation, the Governor Sule may be sending subtle, yet strategic, signals about the political future of Nasarawa State.

Politics, particularly in a state like Nasarawa with its delicate ethno-political balance, thrives on gestures and optics. Who represents the state at what event and alongside whom often speaks louder. The choice of Wadada to be among the entourage of Governor Sule also stands so significant and of course a recognition of his growing stature.

The presence of the SSG and some figures further amplifies this interpretation. This is not just a ceremonial visit to Kano; it was a well arranged visit giving the fact that Kano is home to many northern political influencers and a key region in national politics makes the visit even more inspiring.

Since his election to the Senate, Senator Wadada has repositioned himself as a bridge-builder and a consensus candidate, with support cutting across party lines and ethnic blocs. His name now often surfaces in discussions about Nasarawa’s post-2027 leadership, and this trip may solidify perceptions that he is the frontrunner.

It is also important to note that  Alh. Dangote  is not just a businessman but also a strategic political ally to many northern politicians. Proximity to such figures can bolster Wadada’s national appeal and enhance his network, especially now that 2027 race becomes competitive within the ruling party.

While Governor Sule has not publicly endorsed any successor, he has shown signs of being a pragmatic leader who prioritizes continuity and stability. If Senator Wadada is indeed being groomed or considered, this trip may be the start of a carefully crafted transition narrative.

At the same time, Sule’s decision could also be viewed as a way to test the waters, observing public reaction to Wadada’s increasing visibility and measuring his acceptability across various stakeholders.

As 2027 approaches, every move in Nasarawa politics will be dissected for meaning. The Kano wedding might have been a social event, but in the context of Nigerian politics, it was also a stage one on which Senator Wadada stood, perhaps not just as a guest, but as a potential heir.

Whether this trip was a signal of endorsement or a mere coincidence, one thing is certain: the race for Nasarawa’s top seat has quietly begun, and Senator Wadada is already in motion.