Ahmed Wadada: A Proven Record of Service and a Compelling Case for Nasarawa's Governorship in 2027* By Dr. Ibrahim Tanko

In politics, the strongest campaign message is not built on rhetoric but on results. As the 2027 governorship election approaches, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada has continued to distinguish himself as a leader whose public service is backed by visible interventions in education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and community development.

It is argued that if he has delivered so much as a legislator, he possesses the experience and capacity to achieve even greater milestones as Governor of Nasarawa State.

One of Wadada's most enduring legacies is his commitment to education.

Through the Wadada Education Foundation, he has funded scholarships for indigent students, paid WAEC, NECO and JAMB examination fees for thousands of students over the years, renovated schools and provided learning materials to communities across the state. More recently, he facilitated the payment of examination fees for 774 students while continuing scholarship and educational support programmes.

In infrastructure development, Senator Wadada has facilitated the rehabilitation and reconstruction of several strategic federal roads serving Nasarawa West.

These include interventions on the Keffi–Gunduma–Gitata–Kwoi Road, the Keffi–Laminga–Nasarawa Road, the Nasarawa–Toto–Abaji Road, and the construction of an 11-kilometre road with a 35-span bridge linking communities in Karu and Nasarawa Local Government Areas. He also inaugurated the rehabilitation of the 18.5-kilometre Agwan Takwa Junction–Moroa Town Road in Kokona Local Government Area to improve access for farmers and traders.

Access to clean water has equally received significant attention. Across the five local government areas of Nasarawa West, Senator Wadada has facilitated the construction of 39 motorised and hand-pump boreholes, bringing potable water to many communities that previously struggled with inadequate water supply.

His intervention in rural electrification has also been noteworthy. He facilitated the installation of 476 solar-powered street lights in markets, motor parks and residential communities, while also attracting the supply of 10 new 500KVA transformers to improve electricity distribution in several towns.

On healthcare, Wadada has organised medical outreach programmes providing treatment, including minor surgeries, for vulnerable citizens. He has also facilitated the distribution of medical equipment to 10 general hospitals and supported efforts to improve access to quality healthcare in rural communities.

Perhaps no area better illustrates his commitment to grassroots development than youth and women empowerment. His programmes have distributed 290 sewing machines, 106 welding machines, 105 farm harvesters, 71 irrigation pumps, 70 grinding machines and 70 vulcanising machines to beneficiaries across Nasarawa West. 

In addition, 106 women received tablet computers and ₦100,000 each as start-up support, while 400 beneficiaries accessed monthly business grants through the Bank of Industry Nano Scheme. Farmers also received improved seedlings, herbicides and pesticides to boost agricultural productivity.

Employment creation has remained another hallmark of his representation. Supporters commended him for facilitating federal employment opportunities for dozens of young people in agencies including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), NDLEA, Federal Fire Service, FAAN, NELFund and the National Bureau of Statistics, helping many families secure sustainable livelihoods.

His legislative record has also reflected a commitment to the long-term development of Nasarawa State. He sponsored and supported initiatives which led to the upgrading of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa into a Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, establishing a School of Fishery and Aquatic Sciences in Umaisha as well as strengthening critical public institutions through legislative reforms.

These interventions collectively portray a leader who combines legislative responsibility with practical community service. They also explain why many citizens believe Ahmed Wadada's aspiration to govern Nasarawa State, is built not merely on political ambition but on a demonstrable record of delivering projects, creating opportunities and responding to the needs of ordinary people.

As the 2027 governorship election draws closer, the people of Nasarawa State will ultimately decide who earns their mandate. For many people, Ahmed Aliyu Wadada's record of educational support, infrastructure development, healthcare interventions, empowerment programmes, employment facilitation and legislative advocacy provides a compelling case that he possesses both the experience and the vision to lead the state to greater heights.

 Written by Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, immediate past Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Nasarawa State and San Turakin Keffi