In a dramatic twist that has sent ripples across Nasarawa State’s political landscape, Distinguished Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, has officially resigned from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and declared his intention to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wadada, who has long been seen as a strong contender for the 2027 governorship race, made his decision public amidst intense speculation about his political future. His exit from the SDP, a platform that gave him a resounding victory in the 2023 senatorial elections, has been described by analysts as both a strategic masterstroke and a move that will reshape the balance of power in Nasarawa State politics.
Within the APC, the news was greeted with jubilation in some quarters and unease in others. Party loyalists see his defection as a huge boost for the APC’s chances of consolidating power beyond 2027. “Sen. Wadada is a grassroots mobilizer, a tested leader, and one of the most consistent voices in Nasarawa State politics. His coming home to APC is a win for our family,” a senior APC stalwart said in Lafia.
However, some insiders fear his entry could ignite internal rivalries, especially among other aspirants with eyes on the governorship ticket. “It’s not business as usual. His political weight means the calculations will change,” another APC chieftain hinted.
For the SDP, Wadada’s departure is a devastating blow. The party had hoped to use his popularity and performance in the Senate as a rallying point to expand its influence in the state. “It’s a sad day for us, but politics is dynamic. We wish him well,” an SDP executive admitted.
The Senator’s move is seen by many as a signal that he is preparing for the grand stage in 2027. His loyalists argue that only a bigger platform like the APC can guarantee the reach and resources needed for a successful governorship bid.
