Senator Wadada Declares 2027 Presidential Race is "Already Taken" by President Tinubu

Strategic Insights -

Senator Aliyu Wadada, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has stated that the 2027 presidential race is "already taken" by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Wadada made this declaration after meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he expressed gratitude for the public felicitation following his turbaning as Maga Jindengi of Lafia on August 2, 2025. Wadada highlighted the impact of President Tinubu's policies, including the Tax Reform Bill, which exempts individuals earning less than ₦800,000 annually from personal income tax. He also praised President Tinubu's infrastructural projects, such as the Sokoto-Badagry road and the Abuja-Kano highway.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Aliyu Wadada has declared that the 2027 presidential race is "already taken" by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
  • Wadada made this statement after meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he expressed gratitude for the public felicitation following his turbaning as Maga Jindengi of Lafia on August 2, 2025.
  • Wadada highlighted the impact of President Tinubu's policies, including the Tax Reform Bill, which exempts individuals earning less than ₦800,000 annually from personal income tax.
  • He also praised President Tinubu's infrastructural projects, such as the Sokoto-Badagry road and the Abuja-Kano highway.
  • Wadada challenged opposition aspirants to present tangible plans rather than "baseless criticisms," urging them to clarify their positions on subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms, infrastructure, and economic development.
  • Wadada hinted at a possible return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that SDP as a political party "hasn't offended" him but that he may not be committed to the party's current trajectory.

Statistics:

  • ₦800,000: the annual income threshold below which individuals are exempt from personal income tax under the Tax Reform Bill.
  • Three times: the increase in revenue for state governments due to subsidy removal, according to Wadada.
  • Two projects: the Sokoto-Badagry road and the Abuja-Kano highway mentioned by Wadada as examples of President Tinubu's infrastructural projects.
  • One instance: Wadada's challenge to opposition aspirants to present tangible plans rather than "baseless criticisms."

Sources:

  • (Voice of Nigeria, August 12, 2025)
  • (Voice of Nigeria, August 2, 2025)