By Rayyanu Bala

Undoubtedly, the presence of Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada at all the programmes lined up for the Nasarawa at 30 anniversary celebration in Lafia added not only colour to the events but also underscored his preparedness to take the mantle of leadership of Nasarawa State after Engr. Abdullahi Sule.
Anyone who witnessed all the events would have noticed how Wadada was full of spirit, dedication, and determination.
Thirty years is a significant milestone for any state. It is long enough to look back at where things started, appreciate the progress that has been made, acknowledge the challenges that remain and, perhaps most importantly, begin thinking seriously about what the next chapter should look like. Without any iota of doubt, with Wadada at the helm of affairs of Nasarawa State in 2027, the next chapter of the state, after Governor Abdullahi Sule, promises to be prosperous and inclusive.
Indeed, the Nasarawa at 30 anniversary celebration brought together leaders, dignitaries, and sons and daughters of the state. But beyond the glamour of the awards and social gatherings, however, the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the identity of a state that has continued to evolve since its creation in 1996. However, one cannot discuss the almost week-long celebration of Nasarawa at 30 without bringing politics into the conversation.
Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election after winning the party’s May 2026 governorship primary with 195,285 votes, ahead of former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu and other aspirants. Wadada’s emergence represents more than just the outcome of a party primary. The outcome provides, or signifies, continuity with the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Governor Sule’s administration has placed considerable emphasis on investment, infrastructure, and economic development, while increasingly promoting Nasarawa as a destination for investment.
It is an already acknowledged fact that Wadada’s outlook and approach to public service naturally fit into the broader direction of Governor Sule’s administration.
One interesting human dimension of the Nasarawa at 30 celebrations was that it involved virtually everyone, the farmer in the village, the trader in Lafia, the civil servant, the young graduate searching for opportunities, the business owner, the traditional institution, and every community that makes up the state. We all witnessed the reflections of jubilation on the faces of the people on that day.
For Wadada, the challenges ahead of Nasarawa State are clear. The HEART Agenda, which will constitute the cornerstone of his administration, is expected to provide solutions to many of the challenges facing the state. Thankfully, Wadada is the kind of person who is not at home with trivialities or false promises. No one can fault Wadada on that. He is straightforward and down-to-earth. When elected, his administration can address the everyday concerns of ordinary people in Nasarawa State.
Now that Wadada is the APC candidate, his political journey has entered a new phase.
As Nasarawa celebrates 30 years, the question therefore shifts from where the state has been to where it wants to go next. In every case, Wadada is the next person who will lead the state into its next chapter after Engr. Abdullahi Sule.