By Rayyanu Bala

Governor Abdullahi Sule’s Tuesday meeting with gubernatorial aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Nasarawa West cannot, in all honesty, be viewed as a routine gathering. Rather, it signals that the race to determine who will succeed Governor Sule is gaining real momentum, especially now that party primaries are only a few weeks away.
Held at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, the meeting brought together key figures eyeing the top seat in Nasarawa State, each hoping to convince Governor Sule and APC stakeholders of their readiness to lead.
While all the aspirants from Nasarawa West have the ambition to become governor, not all possess the depth of preparation, political consistency, and proven loyalty that the moment demands. Among the pack, the name of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu towers above the rest.
To be honest, Senator Wadada’s advantage in this governorship race was not built on noise or last-minute political maneuvering. Rather, it is rooted in years of visible effort, strategic engagement, and a track record that speaks louder than campaign slogans. At a time when Nasarawa State needs continuity and a forward-thinking leader like Governor Abdullahi Sule, Senator Wadada, without fear of being immodest, appears to be the most prepared to take the baton and move the state to the next level.
There is, indeed, no gainsaying that preparation in politics is not just about having an impressive CV or manifesto; it is about understanding governance, building relationships, and demonstrating capacity over time. Senator Wadada has excelled in all these aspects. While others are just stepping into the spotlight, Wadada has long been working both behind the scenes and on the frontline, contributing to the growth and stability of Nasarawa State and party politics within it.
In fact, Wadada’s commitment to the development of Nasarawa State and to party politics is one of his strongest credentials. He is arguably the only aspirant among the group who has consistently labored for the advancement of both the state and the party.
One thing we must bear in mind is that Senator Wadada did not just show up when it was convenient; he invested his time, resources, and political capital to strengthen his structure and support base.
Even more telling was his role during one of the APC’s most sensitive moments: the 2019 primary elections. When internal tensions threatened to derail the process, and some aspirants pursued actions that could have destabilized the party, Senator Wadada stood firm. He worked to restore calm, encouraged dialogue, and helped ensure that the party emerged intact rather than fractured. That kind of stabilizing influence is what Nasarawa State needs.
It was Martin Luther King Jr. who said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Indeed, leadership is tested not in easy times, but in moments of crisis. In those moments, Wadada proved himself to be someone who puts the party—and, by extension, the state—above personal ambition. He has shown that he stands firm in times of challenge and controversy.
As Governor Sule’s consultations and engagements with aspirants continue, the underlying question remains: who can truly sustain and build upon the foundation his administration will leave behind? If the answer is based on preparedness, loyalty, and a proven record of service to both party and people, then Wadada makes a compelling case.
Politics, as has often been said, involves competition, alliances, and shifting dynamics. But beyond all these, Nasarawa deserves a leader who has already demonstrated the capacity to lead, unite, and deliver. From where many observers stand, Senator Wadada is not just another aspirant; he is the one most ready to take Nasarawa forward.