By Dr. Idris Keana

As Nasarawa State sets its political compass towards the 2027 general elections, attention is already shifting to who will fly the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial flag. Among the names gaining momentum, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, Sarkin Keffi, stands out—not merely for his present-day influence, but for his decisive role in the party’s survival and victories in both 2019 and 2023.

In 2019, when Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule emerged as the APC gubernatorial candidate, the party was faced with internal discontent and defections. Wadada, who was then a major force in Nasarawa West and beyond, played a stabilizing role by mobilizing his base to stand with the APC despite his personal political setbacks. His decision not to work against the party, when he easily could have, contributed to Sule’s narrow but critical victory over PDP’s candidate, cementing APC’s grip on power in Nasarawa State.

By 2023, Engr. Sule faced an even tougher re-election battle. The opposition was emboldened, and ethnic, religious, and sectional sentiments were weaponized. It was here that Wadada’s statesmanship came to the fore. Though contesting for the Senate seat under SDP after intra-party disputes, Wadada tactically refused to allow his ambition to become a liability for Sule’s re-election. His refusal to align with anti-APC forces in Nasarawa West—despite overtures from the opposition—meant APC retained a fighting chance. Behind the scenes, Wadada maintained personal loyalty to Sule, mobilizing his grassroots political structure in Keffi and beyond to quietly neutralize threats against the governor’s second term bid.

As 2027 approaches, APC requires a candidate who can unify fractured interests, command cross-ethnic legitimacy, and secure widespread electoral appeal. Wadada fits this bill:

Grassroots Strength: His political base in Nasarawa West is formidable and historically decisive in statewide elections.

Bridge-Building Ability: His inclusive politics cuts across religion and ethnicity, a factor crucial in Nasarawa’s diverse landscape.

Continuity of Sule’s Legacy: Wadada’s private sector acumen and political experience offer assurance that Sule’s industrialization, infrastructure, and education initiatives will not be abandoned.

Rewarding Loyalty: Endorsing Wadada would signal that APC rewards those who put the party above self-interest, strengthening internal cohesion ahead of 2027.

In Nigerian politics, loyalty and sacrifice are rare commodities. Wadada demonstrated both in 2019 and 2023. For Engr. A. A. Sule, endorsing him in 2027 would not only be an act of reciprocity but also a strategic decision to safeguard APC’s dominance in Nasarawa.

Bottom Line: Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada is not just asking for APC’s ticket—he has earned it through his past contributions to the party’s victories. For Engr. Sule, backing Wadada is both politically sound and morally justifiable.