Hon. A.A. Yaba Maisaka: A Loyal Servant Deserving Political Recognition in 2027

Opinion 

In every political journey, there are individuals who sacrifice personal ambition for the collective good, demonstrating steadfast loyalty, resilience, and commitment to their party and people. One such figure is Hon. A.A. Yaba Maisaka, a true grassroots politician from Ward E, Kabawa area of Lokoja, whose dedication to the All Progressives Congress (APC) since 2015 has been nothing short of outstanding. As the political landscape prepares for the 2027 elections, it is time for the Party, the ApC and stakeholders to give serious consideration to his deserved place in governance.

Hon. Yaba has twice aspired to serve as the Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area under APC. However, fate had other plans, and despite his best efforts, the position eluded him. When he contested alongside the late Hon. Dasebe Muhammed (GYB Na’Allah) May Al-Jannah firdausi be his final abode, some party officials and  stakeholders intervened, suggesting him to step down for the party's interest, an instruction he dutifully followed. This singular act of loyalty speaks volumes about his discipline, party-first mentality, and respect for leadership.

The Holy Qur’an reminds us:

"But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you, and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:216)

Hon. Yaba’s political aspirations might not have materialized yet, but his patience and dedication have positioned him as a man of destiny whose time will come. The APC, both at the state and local levels, must now reward loyalty and competence by supporting his aspiration if he decides to throw his hat in ring in 2027, especially if the position is zoned to his ward.

Beyond politics, Hon. Yaba is a philanthropist at heart. He does not wait for elective office to impact lives, he has consistently supported the people of Lokoja with monetary assistance, donations, and charitable acts. His recent Ramadan outreach, where he distributed rice, Lipton, milk, and sugar across all five wards in Lokoja, further cements his reputation as a man of the people. His generosity extends to ward executives, stakeholders, and the less privileged, showing his deep understanding of grassroots needs.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others." (Hadith, Al-Mu'jam al-Awsat 6192)

By this standard, Hon. Yaba has proven himself as a leader who prioritizes the well-being of others. Unlike many politicians who only remember the electorate when seeking votes, he has remained consistent in his generosity even without holding an official position.

Going down memory lane, Hon. Yaba has played an instrumental role in the APC’s electoral victories in Lokoja, especially in the 2019 and 2023 elections. Despite not being an appointee or an elected official, he has tirelessly mobilized grassroots support, ensuring that APC emerged victorious across the board. His ability to unite people, work behind the scenes, and deliver results makes him an indispensable asset to the party.

With the emergence of His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Ododo Usman, as APC’s leader in Kogi State, there is no better time than now to recognize and reward loyal party members like Hon. Yaba. His track record speaks for itself, and if APC seeks to sustain its dominance in Lokoja, it must begin to empower individuals who have truly worked for the party.

Politics is about equity, recognition, and rewarding consistency. Lokoja's political office holders, stakeholders must seriously consider Hon. Yaba when the time comes. He has the people’s support, a strong grassroots structure, and a track record of sacrifice and commitment. He represents the new breed of politicians who are accessible, reliable, and genuinely interested in the progress of those around them.

As 2027 approaches, let us not sideline those who have given their all for the party. If the next election presents an opportunity for Lokoja’s Ward E to produce an occupier of any elective position, then Hon. A.A. Yaba Maisaka is the right choice. The time for recognition is now, and APC must not ignore this tested and trusted loyalist.