By Rayyanu Bala

Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu has intensified political consultations across Nasarawa State through a series of high-profile visits to traditional rulers and grassroots stakeholders, using the engagements to promote his “HEARTS Agenda,” strengthen alliances, and position himself as the leading contender for the state’s governorship ahead of the 2027 elections.
The consultations, which began in Awe Local Government Area, have taken the senator to several royal palaces across the Southern Senatorial Zone, where he consistently emphasized respect for traditional institutions, inclusive governance, peaceful politics, and loyalty to constituted authority.

Awe Tour Begins With “Homecoming”

At the palace of the Sangarin Awe, Isa Abubakar Umar II, Senator Wadada described the visit as a “homecoming,” reminding residents that he holds the traditional title of Baraden Awe. He paid tribute to the late Emir of Awe, whom he described as a mentor and father figure who played a major role in shaping his political and personal values.
The senator used the occasion to rally support for Governor Abdullahi Sule, whom he described as a peaceful and development-driven leader. He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s economy and strengthening local government autonomy.
In a reflective moment during the visit, Wadada urged his supporters to avoid attacking political opponents or critics, noting that leadership requires patience and tolerance.
“Even prophets of Allah were insulted, so who am I?” the senator remarked.
He further stressed the importance of traditional institutions, saying his late father taught him never to look down on royal fathers regardless of political status or social advancement.

Building Alliances With Traditional Institutions

Throughout the statewide consultations, Wadada repeatedly assured royal fathers that traditional institutions would occupy a central place in his administration if elected governor.
At the palace of the Emir of Azara, Kabir Ibrahim Musa, the senator pledged to deepen collaboration between government and traditional rulers in order to strengthen grassroots governance, improve peacebuilding efforts, and promote development.
He also commended governorship aspirants who stepped aside following Governor Sule’s endorsement process, describing their actions as demonstrations of political maturity and loyalty to party leadership. Among those acknowledged were Rt. Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, Dr. Faisal Shuaibu and Dr. Musa Ahmed Mohammed.
The senator continued the same message during engagements at the Osoko of Obi Palace, the Zhe Migili Palace, the Osana Palace in Keana, the palace of the Andoma of Doma, and the palace of the Emir of Lafia.

Respect for Authority as Political Message

A recurring theme during the consultations was Wadada’s insistence on obedience to constituted authority and support for Governor Sule’s political direction.
At the palace of the Osoko of Obi, Umar Dangiwa Orume openly declared that Governor Sule remained the political leader of Nasarawa State and urged residents to support the governor’s preferred aspirant.
The monarch recalled earlier consultations by traditional rulers from Nasarawa West advocating power rotation to the zone and noted that stakeholders had agreed to abide by the governor’s eventual decision.
Similarly, during a visit to the palace of the Zhe Migili, Wadada referenced biblical teachings on obedience and leadership, arguing that respecting the governor’s wishes amounted to respecting constituted authority.
The senator said his administration, if elected, would pursue inclusive governance that accommodates all ethnic and religious groups across the state.
“Every community will have a sense of belonging,” he assured.

HEARTS Agenda and Grassroots Mobilisation

Virtually every stop on the tour, Wadada presented his scorecard as senator representing Nasarawa West and distributed copies of his “HEARTS Agenda,” which he described as a framework for inclusive and sustainable governance.
The agenda focuses on:
Human capital development
Accountability in governance
Rural transformation
Empowerment of youths and women
Peace and unity
Sustainable economic growth
At the Awe Local Government Secretariat, the senator met with party leaders, youths, women groups, and stakeholders, encouraging citizens to contribute ideas and expectations toward building what he called “a greater Nasarawa State.”
Participants commended his consultative leadership style and offered feedback on developmental priorities.

Royal Endorsements and Traditional Titles

Several traditional rulers used the visits to commend Wadada’s political style, particularly his emphasis on discipline, respect, and peaceful engagement.
The Andoma of Doma, Ahmadu Ogah Onawo, described the senator as disciplined and respectful, urging politicians across the state to emulate his nonviolent approach to politics.
At Daddare, the Sangarin Daddare, Balarabe Sa’eed Muhammad Alhassan IV, conferred on Wadada the traditional title of “Magayakin Daddare” in recognition of his leadership qualities and contributions to the development of Nasarawa State.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Mohammed Bage, prayed openly for Wadada’s success and described him as a man already blessed by Allah.
The Sangarin Kwandere, Ahmadu Al-Makura, also praised the senator’s steadfastness and prayed for the success of his political journey.

Ethnic Inclusion and Historical Identity

At the Osana Palace in Keana, Wadada adopted a more personal tone, highlighting his maternal connection to the Agatu people and describing the palace as part of the historic Kwararafa Kingdom.
He told the traditional ruler that the Osana Palace had longstanding ties with his family and pledged not to disappoint the people if elected governor.
The senator also touched on economic concerns in the area, promising to investigate the suspension of oil exploration activities and explore the commercial potential of Keana’s salt deposits.
Before departing the palace, Wadada donated a Sharon bus, motorcycles, and ₦20 million in cash to various community groups.

Political Signals Ahead of 2027

Though the visits were framed as consultations and courtesy calls, the sustained outreach to traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and grassroots groups has increasingly been viewed as an organized political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Nasarawa State.
By aligning closely with Governor Sule’s leadership, emphasizing party unity, and consolidating support among traditional institutions, Senator Wadada appears to be building a broad coalition that cuts across political, ethnic, and cultural lines.
His repeated emphasis on patience, peace, and inclusive governance also suggests an attempt to distinguish his campaign style from the often divisive politics associated with highly competitive governorship contests.
For now, the statewide consultations have not only amplified Wadada’s political visibility but also reinforced the enduring influence of traditional institutions in shaping political legitimacy and grassroots acceptance in Nasarawa State politics.