Women power rising: Why Nasarawa’s most influential voting bloc is rallying behind Senator Wadada

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Sam Israel

In every serious political calculation in Nigeria, one truth has become increasingly difficult to ignore: women are the backbone of electoral success. From voter registration to election day turnout, women consistently show up in greater numbers, endure longer queues, and remain committed until their votes are counted. In many elections, they quietly but decisively determine outcomes.

Across polling units nationwide, evidence continues to suggest that women are often more patient, more disciplined, and more determined participants in the democratic process than their male counterparts. This reality has reshaped political strategies, forcing candidates to look beyond rhetoric and focus on performance—especially performance that directly affects women and families.

In Nasarawa State, this political reality is now playing out in a very visible and organized manner. A powerful coalition known as the Action Women Group, comprising professional women from across the state, has thrown its weight behind Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, the Senator representing the Western Senatorial Zone.

This is not a casual endorsement. Political observers note that the Action Women Group is one of the most structured women-led movements currently operating in the state, with active networks spanning the 13 local government and development areas. Their mobilization reflects careful planning, deep grassroots penetration, and a clear political objective.

Their recent outing in Keffi sent a strong signal to the political establishment. Thousands of women converged from different parts of the state, demonstrating a level of organization rarely seen outside major party rallies. At the event, the group unveiled a prominent billboard along the Keffi–Abuja Road, a strategic corridor with high visibility and political symbolism.

Beyond symbolism, the group commissioned a fully functional office near Zenith Bank in Keffi, underscoring their intent to move from advocacy to action. Political analysts see this as a transition from passive support to active campaign machinery—an indication that the group is preparing for long-term political engagement ahead of 2027.

What further distinguishes the Action Women Group is its focus on voter empowerment. Rather than waiting for election season, the group has already launched a statewide Permanent Voter Card (PVC) mobilization campaign, encouraging women to register, collect their cards, and participate fully in the democratic process.

Members of the group have also taken on the role of civic educators, moving from community to community to enlighten women on voter registration procedures and the power of collective voting. This approach, experts say, could significantly boost women voter turnout in the next general election.

At the heart of this movement is the group’s leader, Mrs. Sabina Albashi Haruna, who has been clear and consistent about why Senator Wadada earned their support. According to her, the Senator’s political strength lies not just in ambition, but in verifiable performance, particularly in areas that directly impact women and young people.

Investigations into his record reveal sustained interventions in employment and economic empowerment. Senator Wadada has facilitated the distribution of starter packs to women and youths, enabling many to establish small businesses and achieve financial independence in a challenging economic climate.

In the area of technology and skills development, beneficiaries confirm that laptops were provided to individuals trained in ICT programs, helping them convert training into practical income-generating opportunities. These interventions, though often underreported, have created ripple effects across communities.

Education has also featured prominently in his public service record. From scholarships awarded to students across Nasarawa State to the renovation of primary and secondary schools, Senator Wadada’s footprint is evident in efforts to strengthen human capital development.

Health sector interventions further reinforce this narrative. Communities across the state have benefited from support for health facilities, improving access to basic healthcare and easing the burden on vulnerable families.

Perhaps most telling is the traditional recognition he has received. Senator Wadada holds the title of Magajin Dengin Lafia and currently serves as the Sarkin Yakin Keffi—honors traditionally reserved for individuals whose philanthropic and community contributions have made measurable impact.

For the Action Women Group, these credentials form a compelling argument. Their position is clear: leadership should be earned through service, not slogans. In their collective voice, they have declared that Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu represents continuity of impact and a credible option for governance in Nasarawa State come 2027.

As political alignments begin to take shape, one thing is increasingly evident—when organized women move, politics moves with them. And in Nasarawa State, all signs suggest that women are moving decisively in one direction.

Israel JP is the Senior Special Assistant SSA on media to Senator Wadada.