2027: Why Wadada’s Return to APC Raises the Bar on Governance in Nasarawa

By Peter Jatau, Abuja, Nigeria.

The political landscape of Nasarawa State is set for a major shake-up as Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada formally resigns from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and returns to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he helped to build from inception. His comeback, widely described as a “homecoming,” is already triggering conversations around governance, leadership, and the 2027 gubernatorial race.

Why Wadada Left the SDP

In a letter to the chairman of SDP, Tudun Kofa Ward, Keffi, Senator Wadada cited lingering internal crises, legal disputes, and deepening divisions within the SDP as the reason for his resignation. According to him, these distractions weakened the party’s effectiveness and made it difficult to focus on governance issues.

Wadada, however, expressed appreciation for the opportunities the SDP gave him, while stressing that his decision was guided by principle, not personal ambition. His withdrawal, observers note, reflects his determination to seek a more stable platform for pursuing his political vision.

A Return to Familiar Grounds

Wadada’s return to APC is symbolic. He was a foundation member of the party, having served as the national financial secretary of the defunct nPDP, one of the blocs that merged to form the APC in 2013. He left in 2022 under compelling circumstances to actualize his senatorial ambition on the SDP platform.

Despite that brief departure, his ties to the APC—and particularly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he regards as a long-time associate—remained strong. His re-entry is thus widely interpreted as both a personal reconnection and a strategic step for the ruling party in Nasarawa State.

Governance, Not Self-Interest

Political insiders say Wadada’s return is not about personal gain but about strengthening a party he believes has the capacity to deliver governance and development. He has clarified that he is not joining APC to displace anyone but to collaborate on shared goals.

His sights are firmly set on the 2027 governorship election, where he hopes to leverage his experience, grassroots support, and cross-community appeal. Unlike many aspirants, he projects himself as a candidate who intends to elevate governance discourse above patronage and ethno-religious calculations.

Implications for APC in Nasarawa

For the APC, Wadada’s comeback is a political boost. His high visibility, grassroots popularity, and influence across communities make him a valuable addition ahead of 2027. Within Nasarawa, he is consistently ranked among the leading contenders, with strong resonance among the electorate.

His cross-party appeal—built on years of bridge-building across ethnic and religious divides—also strengthens APC’s chances of consolidating diverse voter blocs. Already, his move has energized party structures and heightened competition among aspirants, a development many analysts believe could improve the quality of governance debates.

Raising the Bar on Governance

Wadada’s reputation rests on his emphasis on ethical leadership and development-focused politics. As senator, he has championed motions for educational upgrades, infrastructure expansion, and constituency projects. His political style—balancing loyalty to federal APC governments with attention to grassroots needs—positions him as both a unifier and a pragmatic leader.

This approach is expected to elevate governance standards in Nasarawa, with increased voter scrutiny of candidates’ policies and developmental track records. Analysts argue that his presence will compel other aspirants to move beyond patronage politics to present credible plans on infrastructure, tourism, resource management, and social protection.

National Relevance

At the national level, Wadada’s return to APC underscores his alignment with President Tinubu’s reformist agenda. He has openly praised the administration’s policies on economic reform, infrastructural expansion—such as the Abuja-Kano and Sokoto-Badagry highways—and tax exemptions for low-income earners.

His support for these policies situates him not only as a state-level actor but also as a politician invested in Nigeria’s broader development. This dual positioning enhances his credibility and strengthens APC’s reform narrative.

Looking Ahead to 2027

As the 2027 governorship race gathers steam, Wadada’s re-entry into APC promises to make the contest more competitive. Already, political watchers believe his presence will force aspirants across parties to engage voters on substantive governance issues rather than relying on identity politics.

More importantly, the heightened political activity has awakened voter consciousness in Nasarawa State. Citizens are becoming more vocal in demanding accountability, better performance, and tangible development.