Constituents of Wase Federal Constituency in Plateau State on Thursday presented nomination and expression of interest forms to the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rufus Bature, after raising N24 million to secure the forms for former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase.
The forms, purchased on behalf of Wase—who currently represents the constituency in the National Assembly—were formally handed over during a ceremony at the APC State Secretariat in Jos.
Speaking at the event, a lawmaker representing Wase State Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Galadima, said the gesture was a show of respect and appreciation to the party leadership.
Galadima noted that Wase’s performance over his 20-year tenure in the National Assembly informed their collective decision to support his return in 2027.
“Seeing is believing. There is nothing more we can say than to thank God for Maje. We stand with him. He has executed numerous projects, and we will continue to support him in the 2027 election. That is why we have come to present the nomination and expression of interest forms which the Wase community purchased for him for your blessing,” he said.
Other stakeholders from the constituency—including political office holders, retired civil servants, youth groups, women leaders, and religious figures—also endorsed Wase, describing his performance as commendable and worthy of continuity.
In his response, APC State Chairman Rufus Bature described the development as both remarkable and uncommon.
“Members of the State Working Committee of the APC and all those present here today, I am truly honoured. Let me begin by saying that this is the first form I am receiving for my blessing, and it gives me great pleasure,” Bature said.
He commended the group for demonstrating respect for the party and noted that Wase Constituency enjoys a visible presence of federal government projects.
“I must say it is almost unique. I am always proud to speak about Wase Constituency because I often tell people that I am even a bit jealous of Wase. The presence of the Federal Government in Wase Constituency is more visible than in many other places. Therefore, the people of Wase have no reason to feel neglected,” he added.
Bature further explained that while the Constitution sets term limits for executive offices, legislative positions are determined by the electorate.
“The framers of the Constitution were deliberate in assigning tenures, particularly for the executive. However, for the legislature, they left it to the people to decide. That is why I welcome you and sincerely thank you for showing appreciation to someone who has positively impacted your lives,” he said.
He also noted that many individuals, including himself, had benefited from Wase’s representation through opportunities such as employment.
However, the APC chairman emphasised that the party would ensure fairness in the process.
“This does not mean we are stopping anyone from exercising their franchise. The Constitution is clear—people are free to make their choices. As a party, we operate within the law to ensure a level playing field so that the people can freely decide who represents them,” he said.
“Ultimately, the people will determine whether the honourable member returns or not. But as we say, God already has His plan; we are only aligning ourselves with it,” he added.
Bature thanked the constituents and urged them to convey the party’s appreciation to Wase.
Ahmed Wase, popularly known as “Maje,” has represented Wase Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for the past 20 years.