The recent return of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu to the All Progressives Congress (APC) marks a turning point in the evolving political landscape of Nasarawa State and the broader national stage. His homecoming to the party, received with fanfare by the APC State Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Bello, at the party secretariat, and later by Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House last Monday, sends a clear signal of consolidation, reconciliation, and strategic repositioning within the APC.

Senator Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District, had previously parted ways with the APC over issues related to internal party democracy, culminating in his successful senatorial bid under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His departure from APC was viewed by many as both a protest and a principled stance against the perceived shortcomings in the party’s candidate selection process. His re-entry to APC now apart from being a welcome development raises a very strong message that APC in Nasarawa state under the able leadership Governor Abdullahi Sule and Dr. Aliya Bello are doing a great job for the party.

At its core, this development reflects the dynamic nature of party politics in Nigeria, where grassroots appeal, and strategic alignment are necessary ingredients for winning an election, for which Senator wadada possesses all.
For the APC, the return of a political heavyweight like Senator Wadada offers practical benefits, underscoring the party’s capacity for self-reflection, internal reconciliation, and openness to reform. Practically, Senator Wadada’s return to APC strengthens the party’s political capital in Nasarawa state and beyond, especially with the 2027 election looming on the horizon.

From Senator Wadada’s perspective, his return to the APC could be seen as a calculated return to a party whose platform offers broader national reach. His return also reflects a willingness to re-engage with old allies, potentially to achieve greater impact for his constituency and consolidate his political legacy.

Governor Sule’s warm reception of Wadada at the Government House speaks volumes about the importance the APC places on unity going forward. It suggests that previous grievances may have been addressed behind closed doors, and that the party is working to close ranks ahead of future political contests. Dr. Aliyu Bello’s formal reception of the senator at the party office further reinforces this narrative of reacceptance and the restoration of trust.

However, this reunion must be more than a political spectacle. For it to be meaningful, the APC must learn from the circumstances that led to Wadada’s earlier exit. Internal democracy, transparent primaries, and inclusion must be prioritized if the party hopes to retain the loyalty of influential stakeholders and everyday party members alike. Likewise, Senator Wadada must work to translate his return to APC into tangible gains for the good and development of our people.

In conclusion, the return of Senator Ahmed Wadada to the APC is more than just a homecoming; it is a moment that carries strategic significance for the party and weight for democratic politics in Nasarawa State.