By Rayyanu Bala

Politics has always been a contest of ideas, influence and public acceptance. But when rumours begin to masquerade as facts, it becomes necessary to separate reality from wishful thinking.
That is exactly what played out in Lafia yesterday when supporters of former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, took to the streets in celebration, claiming that the APC governorship ticket for Nasarawa State had been handed over to their principal. The celebrations were loud, colourful and energetic. Unfortunately, they were not backed by any official declaration from the party.
Since the conclusion of the APC governorship primary election, the political atmosphere in Nasarawa has been filled with speculation. Supporters of the former IGP have repeatedly expressed confidence that the outcome of the primary would be overturned in their favour. Every few days, fresh claims emerge, only to disappear without any confirmation. While every political group has the right to remain hopeful, but hope should never replace facts.
The contradiction in former IGP’s camp is difficult to ignore, this is because, shortly after Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada emerged as the APC governorship candidate, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu and his supporters have defected and distanced themselves from the party and even destroyed APC symbols in protest. Today, the same individuals are celebrating what they describe as the recovery of the party’s ticket. Such conflicting actions raise legitimate questions about the consistency of their position.
Perhaps the most commendable aspect of this political contest has been the restraint shown by APC supporters in Lafia. Despite repeated provocations, supporters of APC have remained calm, largely because of appeals by respected leaders within the party, especially Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who has consistently encouraged his supporters to avoid actions capable of disturbing the peace. In an environment where political disagreements can easily escalate, the maturity demonstrated by Senator Wadada deserves recognition.
The latest celebration of former IGP’s supporters have been built on the belief that the APC had replaced its governorship candidate and handed it over to the former IGP. However, the facts available in the public domain tell a different story.
A report published by Daily Trust today, listed the APC governorship candidates who were cleared by the party. Among those named was Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as the party’s candidate for Nasarawa State. The report also listed other candidates as: Mohammed Abubakar as the candidate for Bauchi State. Obafemi Hamzat (Lagos), Ogundu Kingsley Chinda (Rivers), Eric Opah (Abia), Solomon Adeola (Ogun), Mustapha Gubio (Borno), Jamilu Gwamna (Gombe), and Baba Malam Wali (Yobe).
At no point therefore did the report indicate that the APC governorship ticket in Nasarawa had changed hands.
In politics, there is a significant difference between political optimism and political reality. Optimism belongs to supporters; reality is determined by official party decisions. The decision of the party here is: Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada remains the APC governorship candidate for Nasarawa State.
However, the lesson here is simple. Democracy flourishes when citizens are guided by verified information rather than rumours. Political propaganda may excite supporters for a day, but it cannot alter official records. Street processions, chants and celebrations may create headlines, but they do not determine who holds a party’s ticket.
As the political season unfolds, Leaders owe their supporters honesty, not false hope. Supporters, in turn, deserve facts, not endless speculation dressed up as breaking news.
Nasarawa State deserves a political conversation anchored on truth, civility and respect for due process. In this, facts will always outlive propaganda.