Constituents buy APC nomination form for ex-deputy speaker Wase

Constituents from Wase Federal Constituency of Plateau State on Thursday presented nomination and expression of interest forms to the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Rufus Bature, after raising N24 million to purchase the forms for former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase.

The forms, bought on behalf of Wase, who currently represents the constituency in the National Assembly, were handed over at a ceremony held at the APC State Secretariat in Jos.

One of the constituents and a lawmaker, Ibrahim Galadima, said they decided to present the forms to the party chairman after purchasing them as a mark of honour to the party leadership.

Galadima, who represents Wase State Constituency at the Plateau State House of Assembly, told the chairman that Wase has performed well in his 20 years at the National Assembly, hence their resolve 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,” Galadima said.

Other leaders from Wase present at the event, including political office holders, retired public and civil servants, youth groups, women leaders, and religious leaders, also spoke in favour of Wase, saying he has performed well and deserves to continue his representation.

Responding, the APC State Chairman, Rufus Bature, described the gesture as remarkable and unique.

“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.

“The respect accorded to the party by the honourable member, courtesy of this group, is remarkable. 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 noted that while the Constitution limits tenure for executive positions, it leaves legislative representation to the people.

“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.

“I believe that, directly or indirectly, everyone here has benefited from his representation. Personally, I have also benefited, as I know individuals whose employment he facilitated,” Bature added.

He, however, stressed that the party would provide a level playing field.

“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, you, 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,” Bature added.

He thanked the constituents and asked them to convey the party’s appreciation to Wase.

Wase, popularly addressed as “Maje” by his supporters, has represented Wase Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for the past 20 years.