By Victor Akawu

In the changing and often volatile landscape of Nasarawa State politics, the question of who will succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule in 2027 is already generating intense debate and strategic calculations.

Amongst all the aspirants seeking to replace the incumbent governor, there is no politician that is better prepared than Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu. Without mincing words, Senator Wadada has paid his dues in the political history of the state, first as a member of the House of Representatives representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency and now as the Senator representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District.

His journey in public service is an affirmation of his life steeped in discipline and a commitment to excellence, foundations which were laid during his early years and solidified in his time as a student union leader where he first honed his skills in advocacy and leadership.

In between these responsibilities, Senator Wadada has remained committed to the service of the people inside or outside the government, a trait that has earned him the popular nickname ‘The Link Man’ for his decades of purposeful engagement and bridge-building across political, ethnic, and socioeconomic divides.

It is a known fact that today, there is no politician with widespread grassroots appeal than Wadada. He stands shoulder high as a politician who enjoys mass appeal across political party divides, a feat demonstrated by his recent election into the 10th Senate on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

This electoral victory is recorded as one of the major political upsets in the 2023 general elections because Nasarawa West Senatorial District is the zone of the National Chairman of the ruling party, APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

In that contest, Wadada polled 96,488 votes to defeat the candidates of the APC and the PDP, proving that his support transcends party lines and is rooted in the trust of the common people.

His ability to connect with the electorate is not a recent phenomenon but the culmination of years of dedicated representation, both in the Green Chambers, where he was known for his eloquence and policy insight, and now in the Senate, where he has brought new energy and innovation to the role.

As always the case, with the political campaigns already warming up, detractors of this political stalwart are up again with their antics. In spite of the fact that Senator Wadada has been playing a key role in the political and socio-economic development of Nasarawa State, those who fear his political clout, try to mislead the gullible by insisting that Senator Wadada is not an indigene of Nasarawa State.

This claim is easily disproven by incontrovertible evidence, including his present position as Senator representing Nasarawa West and his birth in Keffi, Keffi Local Government Area, which places him firmly within the heart of the state. In case the indigenship kite refused to fly, this same detractor whipped up sentiments about his lack of tact and vociferous nature.

Yet, those who have followed his career know him as a man of integrity and courage, whose vociferous nature is not a flaw but a strength deployed in passionately defending the interests of his people and standing for justice and equity.

Against the backdrop of the current realignment in the political landscape of the country, especially with the agitation by the opposition to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, there is no better time for Senator Wadada to fly the flag of the APC in Nasarawa State.

In a move that is generating widespread political discourse across the state, Senator Wadada has officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress, a strategic homecoming that marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nasarawa politics.

His return to the party is a major political realignment and is widely seen as a significant boost for the ruling party, consolidating its strength ahead of the 2027 elections. This return follows his earlier resignation from the APC in 2022 following a disputed primary election, a move that now appears to have been a temporary divergence rather than a permanent parting.

His renewed commitment to the APC follows careful consideration and reaffirms his dedication to contributing meaningfully to the growth and success of the party.

With Wadada as the flag bearer of the APC in Nasarawa State come 2027, half of the job has already been done. The only thing remaining is to mobilize the electorates to go out and vote. Many political observers, both within and outside Nasarawa State, have opined that with Senator Wadada flying the flag of the APC in the upcoming governorship election, the party’s victory is almost certain.

They argue that Senator Wadada stands out among the array of candidates as the only one capable of delivering a massive swing in votes for the party, owing to his strong grassroots connections and his reputation as a politician with a clear and longstanding ambition to lead Nasarawa State.

His confidence in his readiness and capacity to govern is rooted in years of public service and a deep understanding of the political and social dynamics of the state. It will certainly not augur well for the APC to ignore the advantages Wadada brings to the table and to insist on any aspirant who may not necessarily enjoy and attract support from the masses of the electorate across the state.

The strategic advantage of his candidacy is further amplified by the ongoing zoning debate within the state. Former APC National Chairman and two-term governor of the state, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has openly declared that it is the turn of his zone, Keffi in Nasarawa West Senatorial District, to produce the next governor after Governor Abdullahi Sule’s tenure ends, describing the claim as the zone’s birthright.

Senator Wadada, who hails from this same zone, is therefore not just a popular candidate but also one whose nomination would align with this powerful zoning sentiment, thereby uniting both popular appeal and political strategy.

His candidacy would represent a collective mission for the zone, which has not produced a governor for over twenty years, making his bid a historically just and timely one.

Senator Wadada’s philanthropic disposition, often understated, have had yielded concrete results on youth empowerment, education, and healthcare, particularly in his home constituency and the wider Nasarawa State.

This dedication to human development highlights a leadership style that blends governance with compassion and offers a stark contrast to the self-interest that often overshadows public service.

His rising national profile is not only a reflection of his political dexterity but also a recognition of his integrity, consistency, and people-centered approach to leadership.

Furthermore, their longstanding friendship with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu that blossomed over the years, positions him as a leader with the necessary connections to attract federal presence and development to Nasarawa State.

As Nigeria continues to traverse complex challenges of governance and unity, and as Nasarawa State approaches a critical juncture in its history, figures like Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu offer a sense of hope.

His brand of leadership, which harmonizes political experience with social responsibility, sets an example for emerging leaders and offers a roadmap toward a more inclusive and accountable public service.

His mission to lead Nasarawa State is guided by experience, a commitment to unity, and an unwavering belief in purposeful leadership. To overlook such a formidable and prepared candidate would be a profound miscalculation for any political party serious about securing victory and delivering meaningful governance to the people.

The people of Nasarawa State are watching and waiting, and they deserve a leader who has been tested, trusted, and proven worthy of the mandate.

Akawu is the Special Assistant on Social Media to Distinguished Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu. He writes from Keffi, Nasarawa State.