By Julius Peter
The Gwandara community in Nasarawa State has thrown its weight behind Hon. Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, endorsing his bid for the governorship of the state.
The endorsement was announced at a gathering organised by the Gwandara Educational Development & Cultural Association (GWADECA) and held at the palace of the Emir of Karshi, His Royal Highness Dr. Alhaji Muhammad Sani Bako II.
The event brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders, women and youths, underscoring the growing political interest surrounding the forthcoming governorship contest in the state.
Among those present were the Abaga Toni, Sangarin Amba, GWADECA National President, Dr. John D. W. Mamman, and former GWADECA President, Barrister Mamman Alakayi.
The gathering provided an opportunity for members and representatives of the Gwandara community to articulate their position on the political future of Nasarawa State and their expectations from those seeking to lead the state.
In formally expressing support for Wadada, the community conveyed its confidence in his capacity to provide leadership and contribute to the development of Nasarawa State.
The endorsement also placed emphasis on the relationship between political leadership and the interests of communities, particularly the need for a government that is responsive to the concerns of different ethnic and social groups across the state.
Responding to the endorsement, Wadada expressed appreciation to the Gwandara community for the confidence reposed in him.
He described the support as “a call to greater responsibility,” stressing that the endorsement would further strengthen his resolve to pursue leadership anchored on trust, service and inclusiveness.
Wadada said his political aspiration was not merely about occupying an office but about building a leadership structure capable of bringing people together and addressing the development needs of the state.
He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, promising to work with communities and stakeholders across ethnic, religious and political lines if given the opportunity to lead Nasarawa State.
The APC governorship aspirant also called for collective efforts toward the advancement of the state, declaring: “Together, we will move Nasarawa forward.”
The endorsement is significant against the backdrop of the increasingly competitive political landscape in Nasarawa State, where aspirants and political parties are expected to intensify consultations with traditional institutions, community leaders, political groups and other stakeholders ahead of the electoral process.
For the Gwandara community, the gathering also served as an avenue to reaffirm the importance of its voice in the political affairs of the state and to engage directly with a prominent aspirant seeking the APC ticket.
Community endorsements can play an important role in Nigerian politics, particularly at the grassroots level, where traditional institutions, socio-cultural organisations and community networks often influence political mobilisation and voter engagement. However, the ultimate political impact of such endorsements will depend on the wider support an aspirant is able to attract across the state’s diverse population.
Nasarawa is home to several ethnic communities, making inclusiveness and the ability to build broad-based political support important considerations in any governorship campaign.
The presence of traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youths at the Karshi gathering highlighted the broad spectrum of stakeholders involved in the engagement.
For Wadada, the endorsement represents an important addition to his growing consultations as he seeks to position himself within the APC governorship race. It also presents an opportunity for him to translate the goodwill expressed by the Gwandara community into broader political engagement across Nasarawa State.
As the political process progresses, attention is expected to focus on the APC’s internal contest and the various aspirants seeking the party’s ticket, as well as their programmes, political structures and ability to build alliances across the state.
The Gwandara endorsement therefore adds another dimension to the unfolding governorship contest and reflects the increasing efforts by political aspirants to secure the backing of influential communities and stakeholders ahead of the election.
For the people of Nasarawa State, the coming political season is likely to generate vigorous debate over leadership, development, representation and the future direction of the state.
The Karshi gathering has consequently placed Wadada’s engagement with the Gwandara community among the latest developments in the emerging governorship race, with the community’s endorsement signalling its stated confidence in his leadership aspiration.
