By Our Reporter

A visit by Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada and the Emir of Lafia to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa today, Wednesday 25, September, 2025, has sparked political speculation across Nasarawa State. While political analysts suggest the meeting was more ceremonial than strategic, many believe it signals a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 governorship race in Nasarawa state.

Senator Wadada, who won his Senate seat in 2023 under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) before formally returning to the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been vocal about his gubernatorial ambitions. He asserts that he has “all it takes” to succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule, and his recent political moves reinforce this assertion.

Observers note that Senator Wadada’s shift back to the APC, the ruling party both at the federal and at the state level is a calculated step to embed himself deeper within the political mainstream. The visit to the President, accompanied by the Emir of Lafia, is seen by many as more than just a courtesy call; it is a subtle signal of growing influence and endorsement.

“Senator Wadada is positioning himself as a serious contender, and these kinds of engagements with the President help shape public perception and build momentum well ahead of the elections,” said a political analyst familiar with the political developments in Nasarawa state.

Grassroots movements, local endorsements, and public statements in support of Senator Wadada have already begun to emerge. He is actively cultivating intra-party alliances within the APC and strengthening his visibility among key stakeholders. Such groundwork is a hallmark of successful political campaigns in Nigeria.

Though officially described as unrelated to Nasarawa’s evolving political landscape, the timing and nature of the visit to Villa suggest a strategic preparation for 2027. Senator Wadada appears to be steadily consolidating his narrative, not just as a candidate, but as a preferred successor capable of leading the state forward.

As the 2027 governorship election draws closer, all eyes will be on Senator Wadada’s next moves and how his growing political capital will influence the race in Nasarawa State.