By Muhammad Musa Usman, Lafia

In typical Nigerian politics, defecting from a political party can be the end of a politician’s career. Often times, it is a move that can see a politician go from a king to a forgotten guest overnight. In fact, the lights of many a politician have dimmed simply because they decided to move from one political party to another.

In this regards, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, who currently represents Nasarawa West at the Senate, has shown a level of political skill that sets him apart.

His journey is not just about personal ambition but highlights a deep understanding of the people he serves and the broader political landscape.

As the nation looks ahead to the 2027 elections, with President Bola Tinubu facing challenges and rising dissatisfaction in the North, a politician of Wadada’s calibre becomes not just an asset but a necessity for the ruling party.

His unique position, built on a record of service and strategic alliances, makes him a strong candidate to succeed Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule in Nasarawa State and a key figure for delivering the state for President Tinubu.

His recent return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was more than just a defection; it was a homecoming that spoke volumes about his political weight. He was officially received back into the party by none other person than Engr. Sule himself, who welcomed him with open arms.

At the event, Wadada declared that he is returning to his home — the home he laboured for, the home he served, and the home he contributed to its growth and development. Contrary to what his detractors may want to say, his return was not born out of desperation but from a position of strength and alignment with the governor’s vision for the state.

While acknowledging Engr. Sule’s leadership, Wadada noted that the peaceful atmosphere in Nasarawa was a key factor in his decision to return.

“Your Excellency, no matter how much they love Wadada, if the state was not in peace, or if your style of stewardship was not uniting, we wouldn’t be here today,” he stated.

His decision to return to the APC demonstrated a keen sense of timing and a commitment to unity, showcasing a loyalty that is not blind but strategic, focused on the progress of the state.

His loyalty to both Engr. Sule and President Tinubu is a calculated and practical one. He has consistently expressed support for the governor’s development strides, emphasizing the importance of building on the existing foundation to ensure continuity and stability for Nasarawa State.

This vision for sustained progress falls in line with the Tinubu renewed hope agenda. At the same event where Wadada returned to the APC, Engr. Sule spoke about the courageous policies of President Tinubu, noting that the growing number of defections to the APC was a sign of confidence in the ruling party.

This environment, shaped by Tinubu’s policies and Engr. Sule’s stewardship, created a natural political home for Wadada to return to. His loyalty is therefore dual-pronged; it is dedicated to the leader who is delivering for Nasarawa State and to the President who is leading the nation, a balance that reflects a deep understanding of power dynamics.

What truly stands out about Wadada is his proven independence and his deep connection with the grassroots. He is not a politician who simply follows the crowd. In 2022, he made a bold move by resigning from the APC following a disputed primary election, voicing his concerns over irregularities.

He then defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and secured their Nasarawa West Senatorial District ticket. In a resounding political upset during the February 2023 Senate election, he polled 96,488 votes to defeat the candidates of the stronger, more visible APC and the PDP.

This victory was particularly significant considering that Nasarawa West Senatorial District is the home constituency of the then National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, proving that Wadada’s personal popularity could overcome the might of the ruling party.

This independent streak, combined with his grassroots appeal, is his greatest strength. His supporters were convinced that with or without the APC ticket, he would win a landslide victory at the polls on any political platform, which further exemplifies the trust he has built with the people. This makes him a formidable force in any election.

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the political climate in Nigeria is heating up. President Tinubu is already facing challenges, with prominent Northern figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai reportedly planning a coalition to unseat him.

Though President Tinubu has dismissed these opponents as political IDPs, the threat is still real. Furthermore, there is a palpable sense of dissatisfaction and political polarization in the country, with young people in particular lamenting the harsh impacts of the removal of fuel subsidy.

Also, insecurity arising from the rampant activities of terrorits, bandits and kidnappers rampaging and sacking communities in the North have combined to give the President sleepless nights, especially that opposition politicians are seeking their pound of flesh from the misfortunes of the people.

In the North, these national issues are felt deeply, and there is a growing sentiment that requires careful navigation. To win Nasarawa State and bolster support in the North, President Tinubu needs a politician who is not only loyal but also genuinely popular on the ground, a leader who can bridge the gap between the government and the people.

This is where Senator Wadada becomes indispensable for the APC and President Tinubu. His political dexterity is the key to changing the narrative in Nasarawa State. Having won an election on the platform of a different party in the very stronghold of the APC national chairman, he has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to connect with voters directly.

He is seen as a leader with vision who has consistently demonstrated what he would prioritize if given the opportunity to lead. For a presidential election that may be fiercely contested, having a strong mobilizer like Wadada at the helm in Nasarawa could make all the difference.

He has the muscle to deliver the state for President Tinubu because he has done it for himself against the odds. His grassroots network across the state is considered so strong that some believe he remains the most visible gubernatorial aspirant for 2027, with or without the party’s ticket. This is the kind of political asset President Tinubu needs to secure a vital state.

In essence, Senator Wadada represents a new breed of pragmatic and people-focused politicians in Nigeria. His career, marked by strategic moves, a principled stand for fairness, and an ultimate return to the fold, shows a man who understands the high stakes of politics.

It is generally accepted that his loyalty to both Engr. Sule and President Tinubu is not blind but smart, based on a shared vision for development. His independent victory in 2023 is proof of his mass appeal.

With the challenges to President Tinubu’s re-election bid taking shape, particularly in the North, the ruling party must look to its strongest players. Senator Wadada, with his proven track record of service and political dexterity, is not just the best politician to succeed Engr. Sule and continue the state’s progress; he is the key man needed to secure Nasarawa State for the President and help steer the nation forward.

Usman is a public affairs analyst. He writes from Lafia, Nasarawa State.