Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada: Idoma son poised to become Nasarawa governor in 2027

For decades, the Idoma people have pursued the dream of producing a democratically elected governor in Benue State. While that aspiration remains unfulfilled, sons of the ethnic nationality have repeatedly risen to lead other Nigerian states, particularly during the military era.

IDOMA VOICE reports that from military administrators to governors, several distinguished Idoma sons have occupied the highest offices in states outside their ancestral homeland, demonstrating the leadership capacity of the Idoma nation.

Among the prominent Idoma sons who served as military governors and administrators are Col. Aboki Ochefu, who governed the former East Central State; Brig. Gen. David Mark, Military Governor of Niger State; Maj. Gen. Lawrence Onoja, who governed both Katsina and Plateau states; Maj. Gen. Chris Abutu Garuba, Military Governor of Bauchi State; Lt. Col. Sunday Orinya Ifere, Military Governor of Kwara State; Col John Ubah, Military Administrator of Kebbi State; and Ernest Kizito Attah, Military Governor of Cross River State. Their service remains a significant chapter in the political history of the Idoma nation. 

Now, history appears to be taking a new turn.

Barring any unforeseen political developments, another son with strong Idoma roots is emerging as the leading contender to become the next Governor of Nasarawa State.

That man is Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the Senate.

Although widely known as a prominent Nasarawa politician, Senator Wadada shares a deep ancestral connection with the Idoma nation through his mother, who hails from Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, one of the core Idoma-speaking communities.

His maternal heritage has endeared him to many across Benue South, where his political rise is being followed with keen interest.

The senator recently reaffirmed his bond with the Idoma nation during the maiden edition of Idoma Day Abuja 2026, where he was represented by Rt. Hon. Sule Audu.

Addressing thousands of Idoma people and friends of the ethnic nationality at the event, Wadada reaffirmed that he is “part and parcel” of the Idoma community, noting that his mother is from Ogbangede, Enungba Ward in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. 

According to him, his mother, who hails from Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, regularly took him and his siblings to their maternal home during their childhood, giving them a deep connection with the Idoma culture, values and people.

He described Idoma land as his “first home”, noting that his maternal heritage remains one of the defining aspects of his identity.

The senator also appealed to the Idoma people, particularly those residing in Nasarawa State, to support his governorship aspiration ahead of the 2027 elections, saying that his victory would be a victory for the entire Idoma nation. 

His appeal is significant, given the large population of Idoma people living in Abuja and across Nasarawa State. 

Over the years, the two territories have become home to one of the largest concentrations of Idoma people outside Benue State, making the community an important demographic in the socio-economic and political landscape of the region.

The senator’s governorship ambition received a major boost after Governor Abdullahi Sule publicly endorsed him as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election, following what the governor described as extensive consultations with stakeholders across Nasarawa State.

Governor Sule said the process of selecting a successor lasted more than a year and involved consultations with traditional rulers, political leaders, women and youth groups, investors and party stakeholders before settling on Wadada as the preferred candidate.

For many Idoma people, Wadada’s emergence represents more than a political milestone. It reflects the enduring contributions of the Idoma nation to governance beyond Benue State and reinforces the belief that competence and leadership transcend ethnic and geographical boundaries.

With the 2027 governorship election drawing closer, all eyes in Idoma land will be on Nasarawa State, where many believe Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada has the opportunity to write a new chapter in the political history of the Idoma people. 

As the race for Nasarawa Government House gathers momentum, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada’s candidacy is already inspiring renewed reflection on the remarkable contributions of the Idoma people to leadership and nation-building. Whether he ultimately joins the league of governors will be determined by the electorate, but his emergence has undoubtedly become a source of pride for many across Idoma land.