A looming legal battle is threatening to reshape the 2027 governorship race in Nasarawa State, as a member of the All Progressives Congress, Barrister Tari Trochon, moves to block Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada from participating in the party’s primaries over alleged dual party membership.
In a petition to the APC national leadership, Trochon is not just questioning Wadada’s eligibility—he is effectively warning of a potential legal implosion that could derail the party’s chances if left unresolved.
At the heart of the dispute is Wadada’s political transition from the Social Democratic Party, under which he won his Senate seat in 2023, to the APC, where he is now considered a leading aspirant reportedly backed by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
But Trochon argues that the move lacks procedural clarity and legal finality.
“This is not just about party politics; it is about compliance with the law,” the petitioner insisted, demanding verifiable proof that Wadada has fully disengaged from the SDP.
Beyond the immediate claims, the petition underscores a deeper concern within the APC: the risk of entering a high-stakes election cycle with unresolved legal vulnerabilities.
Trochon warned that allowing Wadada to contest without clearing the air on his status could open the floodgates to pre-election suits—litigations that have historically cost parties dearly in Nigeria’s electoral system.
He also raised questions about institutional procedure, pointing to the absence of a formal declaration of defection before the Senate, a step that could carry both legal and political consequences.
The situation is further complicated by indications that the SDP may challenge Wadada’s defection in court, potentially dragging both the senator and the APC into a prolonged legal contest.
For the APC in Nasarawa, the issue now transcends an individual candidacy—it is a test of internal discipline, legal compliance, and political risk management ahead of a crucial election.
With the governorship primaries scheduled for May 21, 2026, the party faces a narrowing window to address the controversy.
Whether the APC leadership moves to screen, clear, or sideline Wadada could determine not just the outcome of the primaries, but the stability of its entire electoral strategy in the state.
Nasarawa 2027: APC Member Challenges Wadada’s Eligibility, Alleges Dual Party Loyalty
