By Sam Israel JP

The political atmosphere in Nasarawa State reached a new crescendo on Tuesday, 20th October 2025, when Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu was dramatically and formally presented to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to the people of Nasarawa State as the political torchbearer to succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule in 2027.

It was a ceremony that spoke volumes even to the blind and echoed clearly to the deaf — the coast is now clearer than ever that Senator Ahmed Wadada has secured the overwhelming support of the APC family and indeed the people of modern Nasarawa State.

The event, which took place at the prestigious Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall inside the Government House, Lafia, was nothing short of historic. It was filled with emotions, excitement, and political symbolism that will remain etched in the hearts of thousands of party faithful and supporters who gathered to witness the unfolding of a new chapter in the state’s democratic journey.

In a beautifully orchestrated sequence, Ambassador Musa Yilu, a respected elder statesman, first presented Senator Wadada to the State APC Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello. The Chairman, in turn, led the delegation to Governor Abdullahi Sule, who received the senator warmly and, in a symbolic gesture, handed him the emblem of the party before officially presenting him to the teeming audience.

The hall erupted with thunderous applause, songs of joy, and chants of victory as the crowd rose in unison to celebrate what many described as the dawn of a new political era. It was more than a presentation — it was a clear endorsement, a declaration that Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu stands as the candidate to beat come 2027.

For many observers, this singular act by the governor was a defining moment that sent shockwaves across the political landscape of Nasarawa State. It sent a loud and unmistakable message to all contenders: the APC has found its champion — one who embodies competence, credibility, and compassion.

Governor Abdullahi Sule, in his address, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting a candidate who possesses both the vision and the capacity to deliver democratic dividends across every part of the state. He described Senator Wadada as a proven leader, a bridge-builder, and a man of uncommon humility whose track record speaks for itself.

The governor cautioned political actors who thrive on division and mischief to desist from acts capable of destabilizing the peace and unity of the party. He emphasized that his administration would not condone indiscipline or political recklessness, noting that anyone attempting to sow discord within the APC would be met with appropriate consequences.

In his response, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu expressed profound gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule for his exemplary leadership and for creating an enabling environment for peace and progress to thrive in Nasarawa State. He lauded the governor’s even-handedness in governance and his commitment to inclusiveness, fairness, and the empowerment of all segments of society.

Senator Wadada also extended heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the reconstruction of the Keffi–Nasarawa–Toto–Abaji Road under the Special Consolidated Fund. He noted that the project is not just an infrastructural milestone but a strong symbol of renewed hope and economic revitalization for the entire region.

Reiterating his resolve to continue from where Governor Sule will stop, Senator Wadada assured the gathering that he would consolidate on the governor’s achievements and expand the frontiers of good governance, infrastructural development, and human capital investment in Nasarawa State.

Earlier in his remarks, the APC State Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello, could not hide his joy as he declared that Senator Wadada’s formal presentation to the governor marked his full return to the APC fold, thereby making him eligible to contest for any position, including the governorship. He described Wadada as a man of grace, goodwill, and grit — one whose popularity cuts across ethnic, religious, and political boundaries.

Dr. Bello emphasized that the APC is determined to field a candidate who has the capacity, experience, and widespread acceptability to deliver resounding victory in 2027. He called on all party members to close ranks, avoid politics of division, and rally behind the vision of unity and progress that Senator Wadada represents.

In the same vein, the State Secretary of the APC, Mr. Yarus Dagusa, revealed that the presentation to the governor followed Senator Wadada’s earlier formal reception at the state party secretariat, where he sought the governor’s blessings and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the party from the grassroots.

In his characteristic show of generosity and loyalty, Senator Ahmed Wadada donated 18 vehicles to the party, which Governor Sule graciously distributed to various party structures across the state. This gesture was greeted with wild jubilation, reflecting the senator’s unwavering dedication to strengthening the APC and empowering its grassroots machinery.

As Nasarawa State moves steadily toward the 2027 elections, the handwriting on the wall is clear: the people are yearning for continuity, stability, and visionary leadership — values that Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu embodies in full measure. His emergence has reignited hope, restored unity, and redefined the political direction of the state.

The political wind is blowing, and it carries a powerful message — that Nasarawa State is ready to soar higher under a leader who understands its pulse, respects its diversity, and cherishes its potential. Senator Wadada’s acceptance by both the party hierarchy and the people is not just a victory for him but a triumph for democracy, unity, and progress.

Indeed, the coast is clear, the people have spoken, and the movement has begun. The journey to a greater, stronger, and more prosperous Nasarawa State under Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu has officially commenced — and there is no turning back.

Sam Israel JP is the Senior Special Assistant on media to Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.