By Rayyanu Bala

Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, on Tuesday, once again demonstrated his unique capacity and remarkable political strength during the submission of his governorship nomination forms in Abuja. Like many of his previous outings, the event further reinforced the growing beliefs that his campaign train is inevitable and unstoppable. Many observers are already referring to Ahmed Wadada Aliyu as “the incoming governor.”
Therefore, when Vice President Kashim Shettima echoed the same expression during the Nasarawa State Investment Summit on Wednesday, it came as no surprise to many. The word “incoming” has followed Wadada since he declared his intention to contest the governorship of Nasarawa State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Listening to Wadada speak after submitting his forms, one gets the impression of a man who understands both the weight of the moment and the expectations that come with it.
While addressing a large crowd of supporters at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja before proceeding to the venue for the submission of the forms, an event attended by the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe; the State Accountant General, Dr. Ahmed Musa; the Baraden Nasarawa; Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba; and other prominent personalities, Wadada’s remarks stood out as being far from the usual political rhetoric. Instead, they reflected humility and gratitude, especially when he openly admitted that he is human and capable of making mistakes.
Wadada believes that human beings are fallible and naturally prone to errors. His appeal for forgiveness moved many people emotionally and the message has continued to resonate across the state.
Beyond the tone of his speech lies the substance and political reality surrounding his candidacy.
Wadada’s emergence as Governor Sule’s preferred successor did not happen in isolation. It is evidently backed by a formidable political structure. In Nigerian politics, especially at the state level, such backing signifies continuity, access to an established political machinery, and perhaps most importantly, the consolidation of party loyalty within the APC.
Added to this is his alignment with the policies and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This positions Wadada not as a candidate seeking to occupy the office of governor, but as one aligning himself with a broader national political framework. Whether one agrees with that alignment or not, it gives Wadada an advantage in terms of visibility, influence, and access to federal support.
Of course, no serious contender rises without attracting resistance.
Therefore, the petitions being crafted by the opposition against Wadada and the party chairman, Aliyu Bello, are not unexpected, but they cannot cause sleepless nights.
The coming days are likely to witness more criticism, aggression, propaganda, and political blackmail from opponents eager to cut Wadada down to size. However, such tactics cannot weaken him. In Nigerian politics, no front-runner is spared. Noise is often loudest when a candidate is genuinely perceived as a threat.
From all indications, Wadada is no longer just another name on the ballot. He is fast becoming the candidate against whom others will be measured. The massive turnout witnessed at his various outings, including the event in Abuja during the submission of his forms, cannot simply be dismissed by critics as staged or exaggerated. Even skeptics cannot ignore the optics of Wadada’s growing momentum in Nasarawa State.
This is a man who has paid his dues, not only to the APC but also to the people of Nasarawa State over many years. He has made a lasting impression on the minds of the people. Like the APC itself, Wadada’s presence is felt everywhere. Indeed, the name “Wadada” has come to represent hope, peace, and progress. That is why he consistently preaches peace and places his trust in God.
Wadada’s appeal and political strength extend beyond party lines. As things stand, he remains the man to beat, not because he is without flaws or because opposition voices do not matter, but because he currently combines structure, endorsement, visibility, and narrative in a way that his rivals have yet to match.
So while the attacks against Wadada may intensify in the coming days, it would be a mistake to assume they are capable of causing any damage to his political fortunes. Rather, such attacks are signs that his political rivals are already running out of options.