By Murtala Adogi Mohammed PhD.
A critical assessment of emerging succession dynamics in Borno and Nasarawa States highlights a defining lesson in contemporary political leadership, the primacy of strategic restraint, alignment, and institutional stability over fragmented ambition. In Borno State, two prominent aspirants, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, aligned with the Vice President, and Lawan Abba Wakilbe, closely aligned with Governor Zulum, reflect a structured contest within a controlled political environment.
However, what stands out is the posture of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who has consistently and publicly affirmed that Governor Zulum remains the leader of the party in the state, and that he will support whatever decision the Governor takes. This is not incidental, it is a deliberate application of political wisdom, hierarchy respect, and system preservation, which has ensured cohesion and avoided elite fragmentation in Borno.
NASARAWA: A MOMENT FOR STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
A similar but more delicate dynamic is unfolding in Nasarawa State, where two key figures are emerging in the succession conversation, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, widely perceived as a leading contender and potentially the preferred candidate of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, and Former IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, who is aligned with the political structure of my former boss Governor Senator Tanko Al-Makura. While historical alliances and legacy structures remain relevant, the current moment demands a forward-looking, stability-driven approach anchored on the authority and judgment of the incumbent Governor, who remains the central coordinating figure within the state’s political system.
GOVERNOR A.A. SULE: GOVERNANCE THROUGH WISDOM AND SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s leadership over the past seven years has been defined not by confrontation, but by strategic stakeholder management, inclusivity, and disciplined political coordination. He has maintained a rare record of non-confrontational leadership, avoiding unnecessary political conflicts while steadily consolidating governance structures. His approach to governance reflects a deep understanding of Nasarawa’s complex socio-political fabric, demonstrated through inclusive appointments that cut across zones, ethnic groups, and religious interests.
Furthermore, his deliberate engagement with aspirants across different zones, including open consultations and dialogue, reflects a governance model rooted in fairness, transparency, and consensus-building. His sustained engagement with traditional rulers and religious leaders, including the institutionalisation of roles such as SSA on Traditional Rulers, further highlights a leadership philosophy anchored on stability, legitimacy, and grassroots alignment. This is not accidental; it is the politics of wisdom in practice.
THE CASE FOR SENATOR AHMED ALIYU WADADA: DISCIPLINE, LOYALTY, AND SYSTEM STABILITY
Within this context, the question of succession must be guided by track record, system loyalty, and capacity to sustain stability. Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada presents a compelling case. In 2019, he demonstrated strategic maturity by setting aside personal ambition, accepting the outcome of the primaries, and serving as Director General of Governor Sule’s campaign, thereby prioritising system cohesion over individual interest.
In 2023, he again exercised political discipline and restraint, deliberately avoiding actions that could disrupt the Governor’s second-term trajectory. These decisions are not ordinary, they reflect a leader who understands that enduring political relevance is built on loyalty, patience, and alignment with system stability, rather than opportunistic contestation.
LESSON FROM BORNO: ALIGNMENT OVER FRAGMENTATION
The unfolding situation in Borno offers a clear lesson, where political actors align around a central leadership authority, stability is preserved and succession becomes orderly. Vice President Shettima’s posture reinforces a governance principle that is often overlooked, supporting the incumbent leader’s decision is not weakness, but strategic discipline that protects the system.
Nasarawa stands at a similar crossroads. A fragmented succession process risks elite division, weakened governance continuity, and erosion of political capital. Conversely, alignment around Governor Sule’s decision will reinforce institutional coherence and political stability.
CONCLUSION: THE IMPERATIVE OF DECISIVE AND WISE SUCCESSION
The path forward is clear. Governor Abdullahi A. Sule has demonstrated exceptional wisdom in managing the political landscape of Nasarawa State, and that same wisdom must now guide the succession process.
Stakeholders across the state must therefore rally behind a coordinated and unified transition anchored on the Governor’s decision, with strong consideration for Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, whose track record reflects loyalty, discipline, and capacity for continuity.
At this critical juncture, the priority must not be who contests, but how the system is preserved, strengthened, and transitioned without disruption. The ultimate test of leadership is not just governance in office, but the ability to manage succession with clarity, stability, and strategic foresight.
Mohammed, PhD, the Danmasanin Adogi, is a Policy Extrapreneur | Governance Strategist | Futurist, and Founder/CEO, System Strategy and Policy Lab (SSPL)
