By Musa Mairago, Awe

The petition by one Abdullahi Suraj Musa, purportedly an “activist,” calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada from contesting the 2027 Nasarawa State governorship election, is not only malicious but also a glaring example of political desperation, ignorance of the law, and a reckless attempt to mislead the public.

To begin with, there is absolutely no evidence, legal, factual, or circumstantial to support the wild claim that Senator Wadada has violated any provision of the Electoral Act 2022. Section 94(1) of the Act clearly prohibits the commencement of official campaign activities by political parties before INEC’s declaration of the campaign window. However, nowhere in the law does it criminalize personal consultations, community engagements, or constituency outreach activities that form the very essence of representative democracy.

Senator Wadada, as a sitting legislator and a public figure deeply embedded in his state of Nasarawa, has every constitutional right to engage with his people, empower his supporters, and express his commitment to the progress of Nasarawa State. To equate these lawful, democratic engagements with “campaigning” is a deliberate distortion of both fact and law.

Furthermore, the activist’s call for INEC to “disqualify” Senator Wadada under Section 83(4) of the Constitution is laughable and betrays a shocking level of legal illiteracy. That section deals with party registration matters, not candidate disqualification. It is, therefore, a hollow threat founded on a blatant misreading of Nigeria’s supreme law.

The reference to Section 225 of the Constitution, which concerns party funding and accountability further exposes the petitioner’s ignorance. Senator Wadada’s political activities, whether philanthropic or consultative, are personal initiatives duly funded and transparent. The insinuation of illicit funding or premature campaign financing is a baseless smear designed solely to tarnish a rising political figure whose popularity clearly unsettles his opponents.

It is worth noting that these accusations surface precisely at a time when Senator Wadada’s reputation as a people-oriented leader continues to soar across Nasarawa State. This timing underscores the obvious. This petition is nothing more than a politically orchestrated hatchet job, masquerading as activism. It reeks of envy, fear, and the crude politics of distraction.

INEC, as an independent body, cannot and must not allow itself to be dragged into the muddy waters of partisan propaganda. The Commission’s duty is to enforce the law impartially, not to indulge in the whims of individuals seeking cheap publicity through frivolous petitions.

Therefore, the petition by Abdullahi Suraj Musa is a spurious, ill-conceived, and vindictive piece of political blackmail. It should be treated with the contempt it deserves and summarily dismissed. Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada remains a law-abiding leader, committed to service, equity, and the democratic ideals that Nigeria holds dear.