By Rayyanu Bala

When Senator Wadada walked into the palace of the Aren Eggon last week to pay a condolence visit over the tragic events that marred the Eggon festival, it was not just a routine political consultation. It was another reminder of a pattern many people across Nasarawa State have come to recognize in Wadada since 2019. Wherever he goes, his message remains the same—peace, unity, and the fear of God.
At the Aren Eggon palace, his words were simple but weighty. In a moment of grief and tension, he chose not to inflame emotions or play to ethnic or political sentiments. Instead, he preached peace. He called for restraint. He reminded his supporters and supporters of other aspirants as well as community members alike that without the fear of God, society loses its moral compass. Wadada’s message resonated deeply, especially given the painful context of the visit.
What makes Wadada’s message noteworthy is his consistency. Since he declared his aspiration to become governor of Nasarawa State in 2019, Wadada has refused to change his tone with changing political seasons. Consultation engagements, community visits, palace engagements, or condolence visits—his message has always hinged on peace and the fear of God. Even in this current dispensation, nothing has changed. No violent nor aggressive engagement. No political bitterness. Just the same calm insistence that Nasarawa can only move forward if its leaders and people choose peace over division.
In a state as diverse as Nasarawa, Wadada’s approach is not just admirable; it is necessary. Nasarawa is a meeting point of cultures, religions, and ethnicities. Managing such diversity requires more than political experience or ambition. It requires character. It requires emotional intelligence. It requires a leader who understands all the rudiments of leadership. Without fear of immodesty, Wadada embodies all these qualities.
Many politicians talk about peace when it is convenient. Wadada talks about peace even when emotions are high and the crowd might prefer something more sensational. That says a lot. His visit to the Aren Eggon palace was not about scoring political points; it was about standing with people in mourning and reminding them of shared values that go beyond politics.
This is why many believe Nasarawa needs the type of governor Wadada represents. The state does not need a divider-in-chief or a leader who thrives on tension and blame. It needs a governor who can calm storms, not create them. Someone who sees governance as stewardship under God, not just an opportunity for power.
At a time when trust in leadership is fragile, consistency should count for something. Wadada’s long-standing emphasis on peace and the fear of God suggests a leadership style rooted in principle rather than expediency. Whether in a palace, a cultural festivals, or engagements with people, his message has remained steady.
Nasarawa deserves a governor who understands that development without peace is fragile, and power without moral grounding is dangerous. If words truly reflect intentions, then Senator Wadada’s words over the years paint the picture of the kind of leader the state needs right in 2027.
Now let’s stop pretending and start telling ourselves the honest truth. APC in Nasarawa State needs to present a candidate that wants peace and preach nothing but peace. The people of Nasarawa state genuinely wants peace. On the other hand also, what wins elections is popularity, credibility, and connection with the people.
And today, whether some people like it or not, Wadada is the only APC figure with that kind of organic popularity across Nasarawa State.
This is a political reality.
Across the state, from the grassroots to urban centers, people already know who they trust, who they relate with, and who they believe can deliver good leadership. You don’t need a survey to know this; just step outside, attend community meetings, visit markets, talk to youths, women, elders, and party faithful. The name that keeps coming up is Wadada.
So APC should not risk everything by ignoring this reality?
Forcing an unpopular candidate on party members is the fastest way to lose power. We’ve seen it happen before—in Nasarawa and across Nigeria. Once people feel cheated during primaries, they don’t just complain; they vote with their feet. This is what many are openly saying very laud and clear.
The people of Nasarawa state wants leadership, not political experiments. They want a governor who understands their struggles, speaks their language, and has proven acceptance among the masses. Wadada fits that description better than any other aspirant.
Wadada winning the APC primary is a strategic decision for the party. It sends a clear message that APC listens to its members, respects the will of the people, and is serious about winning in 2027 governorship election.
Anything short of that will be seen as misplacement of mandate and mostly mandate misplacement has never won elections.
If APC truly wants to retain Nasarawa State, the path is simple:
Conduct a fair primary
Allow popularity to decide
This is about the future, peace, and overall progress of Nasarawa State. It is about having a leader who can genuinely sustain and build upon the good work initiated by Engr. Abdullahi Sule. It is not, and can never be, about truncating the progress of the state—a progress whose foundation Engr. Sule labored tirelessly to lay, even at great personal sacrifice.