Keffi Rises for Equity: Massive Rally Reinforces Zoning and Endorses Senator Wadada for 2027
By Sam Israel JP
Keffi town stood still on Wednesday as history was written in chants, colours, and collective resolve. From dawn till dusk, thousands of people poured into the streets in an overwhelming show of support for the zoning principle that ensures the governorship of Nasarawa State rotates among its three senatorial zones. It was not just a rally; it was a loud civic statement that the Western Senatorial Zone must take its rightful turn in 2027.
Drawn from all the ten electoral wards of Keffi Local Government Area, supporters came out in unprecedented numbers, united by a shared belief in fairness, justice, and inclusion. Their voices rang out with coordinated chants of “We support zoning,” “We support Governor Abdullahi Sule’s stand on zoning,” and “The governorship must return to Nasarawa West in 2027.” The message was simple, consistent, and unmistakable.
The solidarity rally, organised by a coalition of non-governmental organisations, women and youth groups, party faithful, elders, and community stakeholders, also served as a strong endorsement of Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada. Participants expressed confidence in his capacity to succeed Governor Abdullahi Sule and to deepen economic growth, infrastructure development, and good governance across the state.
Clad mostly in white attire symbolising peace and unity, the crowd danced to traditional music and moved in a calm but determined manner. Despite the scorching sun, the enthusiasm never waned. In fact, the heat only strengthened their resolve, as APC solidarity songs echoed across Keffi, turning even roadside water vendors into unexpected beneficiaries of the massive turnout.
The rally began at the forecourt of the Emir of Keffi’s palace, underscoring respect for tradition and authority. The choice of venue highlighted the organisers’ intention to anchor the movement on peace, order, and cultural legitimacy. From there, the procession snaked through major streets of Keffi, including the main market, popular roundabout, Federal Medical Centre gate, Antua Bridge, and the Keffi Local Government Secretariat, before terminating at Senator Wadada’s campaign office in the GRA.
The rally was explicitly organised in support of Governor Abdullahi Sule, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Senator Ahmed Wadada, reflecting a clear alignment with the APC leadership structure from the national to the grassroots level. It projected unity within the party and confidence in its ability to present a credible, electable candidate in 2027.
Speaking before the commencement of the rally, the Director General of Senator Wadada’s campaign organisation, Hon. Bello Ramalan, described the event as a demonstration of confidence in the leadership of Governor Sule and President Tinubu. He noted that the rally was also meant to reaffirm support for the return of the governorship seat to the Western Senatorial Zone, which he described as long overdue.
Hon. Ramalan reminded the crowd that the Western Zone has patiently waited for over two decades while other zones have produced governors. According to him, justice, equity, and the spirit of unity demand that the zone be given the opportunity in 2027. He expressed optimism that the APC is prepared and united behind Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu as a capable and credible flagbearer.
He further stressed that among all potential aspirants from the Western Zone, Senator Wadada stands out due to his legislative experience, grassroots connection, and proven commitment to development. In his words, Wadada represents continuity without stagnation—someone who can consolidate on the achievements of the Sule administration while bringing fresh energy and inclusive leadership.
The visit to the Emir’s palace, Hon. Ramalan explained, was deliberate, as the group sought royal blessings before embarking on the rally. This gesture reinforced the peaceful nature of the movement and its respect for traditional institutions as partners in democratic development.
Speaking on behalf of the Emir of Keffi, the Fakacin Keffi, Alhaji Shamsudeen Abubakar, offered prayers for the success of the group’s aspirations. He urged supporters to maintain peace and order, noting that the Emirate Council supports the return of the governorship to the Western Zone as a means of promoting fairness, unity, and inclusivity in Nasarawa State.
He further acknowledged Senator Wadada’s track record in supporting development projects, especially in rural communities. According to him, Wadada has demonstrated that leadership can be people-centred, and if given the opportunity to govern, he would lead without discrimination based on political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity.
Voices from the community also reinforced the broader message of unity. A traditional title holder in Keffi, Alhaji Gambo Sani, cautioned against turning zoning into a source of division. He urged the Northern and Southern Zones to support the process in good faith, rather than misleading the people or heating up the polity unnecessarily.
Similarly, Mrs. Salome Adamu Kube called on politicians to put the interest of the state above personal ambition. She appealed for restraint, fairness, and respect for the rotational principle, stressing that allowing every zone its turn would strengthen trust, peace, and collective progress in Nasarawa State.
In the end, the Keffi rally was more than a political gathering; it was a referendum on equity and shared destiny. It sent a powerful signal that the people of Nasarawa West are ready, organised, and united—and that their call for zoning, backed by overwhelming grassroots support for Senator Ahmed Wadada, cannot be ignored.
Sam Israel is the Senior Special Assistant SSA to Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu.