By Murtala Adogi Mohammed, PhD
A STRATEGIC POLITICAL CONVERGENCE.
Yesterday at the Nasarawa State Liaison Office in Abuja, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule convened a high-level engagement with APC governorship aspirants and key stakeholders.
I commend the Governor for the wisdom demonstrated in managing both aspirants and stakeholders.
The meeting produced three defining outcomes, the adoption of #direct primaries, alignment on #zoning, and a broad agreement that the governorship position be zoned to #Keffi Zone (Nasarawa West), the political base of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.
Widely regarded as the Sarkin Yakin Keffi, Wadada is a grassroots mobilizer with a broad and deeply rooted support base across the state.
I also commend Governor A. A. Sule for insisting on zoning, a clear signal of leadership authority and strategic direction.
Rather than imposing a consensus candidate, the Governor demonstrated restraint by keeping the process open, allowing aspirants and stakeholders to converge on a competitive and participatory pathway. This reflects fairness in practice.
The Governor further assured that the process would be fair, open, and transparent, and this commitment was evident in the conduct of the meeting.
WHY DIRECT PRIMARIES CHANGES THE GAME.
The adoption of direct primaries fundamentally reconfigures the political equation. Participation is limited to APC members with valid registration slips, effectively transferring decision-making power from elite negotiation to the grassroots base of the party.
In practical terms, this model rewards.
- Strong field structures across wards and LGAs
- Established voter relationships
- Proven grassroots credibility
It reduces over-reliance on elite endorsements and elevates political capital built through consistency and trust.
Senator Wadada has demonstrated patience, resilience, and consistency, attributes that align strongly with the demands of a direct primary system.
THE ZONING ADVANTAGE: NASARAWA WEST IN FOCUS.
Zoning the governorship to Nasarawa West introduces clarity and equity into the process. It narrows the field while strengthening the case for candidates with deep roots and legitimacy within the zone.
This is not merely a political concession—it is a strategic recalibration aimed at balancing power while preserving electoral strength.
WHY WADADA STANDS OUT.
Within this emerging framework, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu is uniquely positioned. And he is the WINNER insha Allah.
- Proven grassroots depth – He is the only aspirant with a sustained legislative trajectory, two terms in the House of Representatives and currently serving as a Senator, reflecting enduring voter trust.
- A clear reform blueprint – The HEARTS Agenda – Wadada stands out as the only aspirant with a clearly articulated development framework, offering direction and a results-oriented governance approach.
- A broad network of influence and support
He commands a strong network of enablers and influencers beyond Nasarawa State, enhancing both resource mobilization and electoral viability.
Becoming a Governor in Nigeria is not solely about local popularity, it requires elite alignment and strategic coalition-building. In this regard, Wadada is well positioned.
THE EMERGING PATHWAY TO VICTORY.
In a direct primary system, victory is not negotiated, it is earned through structure, loyalty, and reach. When combined with zoning to Nasarawa West, the pathway becomes clearer.
Wadada’s blend of grassroots strength, high-level networks, and broad alliances positions him not just as a contender, but as a frontrunner in a system that rewards these attributes.
Wadada is well placed to emerge, insha Allah.
In God We Trust
— Murtala Adogi Mohammed PhD.
Danmasanin Adogi
Jikan Sarki Adeka, Adogi.
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