Supporters of Ahmed Aliyu Wadada have taken to the streets of Lafia in a show of support for his anticipated governorship bid in Nasarawa State, signalling the early stirrings of succession politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
The rally, organised by a group known as the Wadada Ambassadors, drew a large crowd of party faithful and stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC), who marched through the state capital on Monday to the party secretariat and Government House.
Wadada, who currently represents Nasarawa West in the Senate, has yet to formally declare his candidacy, but allies say his record in public office and cross-party appeal position him as a leading contender to succeed the incumbent governor, Abdullahi Sule.
Addressing the crowd, the group’s coordinator, Zaidu Aliyu Tanko, described the senator as a candidate with “the requisite skills and experience” to lead the state, citing his legislative track record and perceived ability to bridge political divides.
The group said it had submitted a formal letter of recommendation to APC leaders in the state, urging them to back Wadada as the party’s standard-bearer and to sustain the policy direction of the current administration.
The rally underscores growing political mobilisation within the ruling party as aspirants begin to position themselves for the post-Sule era, even as party officials publicly emphasise unity.
Receiving the delegation, the Nasarawa APC chairman, Aliyu Bello, praised the conduct of the rally but cautioned supporters against inflammatory rhetoric as competition intensifies.
He urged party members to promote their preferred candidates without resorting to personal attacks, framing discipline and cohesion as essential to the APC’s chances of retaining power in 2027.
Bello also hinted at the central role of the governor in shaping the party’s eventual ticket, suggesting that whoever emerges as the preferred candidate of the incumbent would require broad-based support across factions.
While Wadada’s backers point to his influence across the state’s 13 local government areas and his focus on infrastructure, education and youth empowerment, analysts note that the contest for the APC ticket in Nasarawa is likely to be shaped as much by internal party dynamics as by public displays of support.
With more than a year before formal campaign activity is expected to begin, Monday’s rally offers an early glimpse into the alliances and ambitions that will define the state’s political landscape in the run-up to 2027.
