By Rayyanu Bala

The relationship between Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dates back three decades is a bond that transcends political affiliations and party lines, rooted deeply in mutual respect, loyalty, and shared political ideals.

Observers of their public interactions often note the warmth and familiarity in their exchanges an evidence of a friendship that is both enduring and strategic.

This long-standing personal relationship has evolved into a powerful political alliance, one that could significantly influence the political landscape of Nasarawa State ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections.

Senator Wadada’s political journey has been marked by strategic foresight, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to public service. A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he made a bold move in 2023 to contest and win the Nasarawa West Senatorial seat under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His departure from the APC at the time was in response to internal party dynamics that did not favour fair political competition. However, this temporary shift did not sever his ties with core political allies, including President Tinubu.

In August 2025, Senator Wadada officially resigned from the SDP, citing unresolved internal crises and fragmentation within the party. His return to the APC shortly afterward was both timely and strategic, signaling his readiness to reposition himself within a party he helped to build, and to pursue his long-standing ambition of governing Nasarawa State.

His re-entry into the APC was warmly received at the highest levels, notably by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself. The reception that Senator Wadada usually receives from President Tinubu is a public affirmation of his value and relevance in national politics.

Just last week, Senator Wadada, alongside the Emir of Lafia, was hosted by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting was not a mere courtesy call, it centered on meaningful discussions regarding the future of Nasarawa State beyond 2027, when Governor Abdullahi Sule concludes his tenure.

Further strengthening this alliance, it is worth recalling that President Tinubu, in a message delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, commended Senator Wadada during his recent turbanning as the Magajin Dangin Lafia Bare-bari. The President acknowledged Senator Wadada’s political stature, leadership qualities, and potential to drive meaningful development. These sentiments strongly resonate with the good people of Nasarawa State.

Senator Wadada’s aspiration to govern Nasarawa State is not born out of mere ambition; it is the result of years of service, experience, and a deep understanding of the state’s socio-economic challenges and potentials. His track record speaks volumes, from his principled leadership in the National Assembly to his unwavering commitment to grassroots development.

As a bridge between the old and new political order, Senator Wadada brings to the table a unique blend of experience, vision, and credibility. He is widely regarded as a unifier, A unifier capable of building consensus across political, ethnic, and religious divides.

Senator  Wadada’s alliance with President Tinubu, a master strategist and national leader, places him in a favorable position to mobilize resources, attract federal attention, and harness party machinery for the benefit of Nasarawa State. With the anticipated full weight of the APC behind him, Senator Wadada is poised to galvanize broad-based support across Nasarawa state, positioning the party as a formidable force heading into the 2027 elections.

Moreover, his return to the APC has already started shifting the political tide. Disenchanted members of other parties and undecided segments of  Nasarawa elites now see a credible and competent alternative in the APC through the candidacy of Senator Wadada. His credibility, grassroots popularity, and strategic alignment with the presidency present the APC as not just a ruling party, but as a party with purpose and vision for Nasarawa State.

The people of Nasarawa are yearning for transformational leadership. A leader that will not only continue from where Engr. Abdullahi Sule will stopped but a leader who understands the needs of the people who possesses the political capital to deliver. Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu  stands out as the candidate who fits this mold. His age long alliance with President Tinubu is not only a testament to his political relevance but also a beacon of hope for a new era of progress in Nasarawa State.

As the 2027 elections approach, it is clear that the warm and strategic relationship between  President Bola Tinubu and Senator Wadada is a brand of partnership that could redefine the future of Nasarawa State, capable of ushering in a government driven by vision, inclusion, and development.