In a country where many leaders are judged by their words but remembered by their actions, I count myself fortunate to have experienced firsthand the kind of leadership built on truth, loyalty, and genuine love. This is why, when I speak about Shuaibu Audu Abubakar, I do not speak from a distance—I speak from experience, from memory, and from a place of deep personal connection.
Before Shuaibu, there was his father, Abubakar Audu—a man whose impact on my life cannot be measured by ordinary standards. He was more than a political leader to me; he was a benefactor, a mentor, and above all, a man who showed me pure, undiluted love. He did everything for me—gave me a house, cars, and support that only a father figure could give. But beyond material things, what I cherish most was his heart.
I remember one experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
We had spoken on a Monday, and I told him I was coming to Ogbonicha, his hometown, to see him. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it that day. It wasn’t until Wednesday that I finally set out on the journey. Because it was my first time going there, I moved with caution. I got to Aloma, then picked a bike that would take me straight to Ogbonicha.
On my way, something unexpected happened. I saw a convoy approaching. The bike man immediately said, “Are you going to see Prince?” I said yes. He replied, “That is his convoy coming.”
My heart skipped. I quickly stopped and tried calling him, but the network was frustrating. After some minutes, it finally connected. When he picked, I told him I was on my way to his place.
He responded, “But you said you were coming on Monday.”
I explained what delayed me. Then he said something that still humbles me to this day. He told me he was already on his way to Idah and had passed Elopi, but he would wait for me.
He asked what car I was coming with. I told him, “Bike.”
And this great man—this powerful leader—waited for me.
For over thirty minutes, Abubakar Audu stopped his convoy on the road just because of me—the writer of this story. When I finally arrived on that bike, even his security details were shocked. They couldn’t believe that a man of his stature would pause his movement for someone like me.
But that was who he was. That was the kind of love he showed me.
From there, I followed him. After the program in Idah, we returned to Abuja that same day. And for the first time in my life, I slept in his house. That moment meant everything to me. It wasn’t just about spending the night—it was about being accepted, being valued, and being treated like family.
That is the kind of man his father was.
Today, when I look at Shuaibu Audu Abubakar, I see that same spirit. I see a man who is gradually stepping into the shoes of his father—not just in name, but in character.
One thing I can say without hesitation is this: Shuaibu Audu Abubakar will never lie to you. Truth is one thing you cannot take away from him. If he tells you something, he means it. If he promises you anything, he will fulfill it. That is the Audu bloodline—words are not meant to be broken.
I have watched him closely, and I can tell you he is a man of gratitude. He does not forget. He knows those who genuinely loved his father, and he respects that bond. He listens, he cares, and he carries himself with a humility that is rare in today’s political space.
For me, this is not politics—it is personal.
The love his father showed me is something I can never repay. The only way I know how to honor that legacy is through loyalty, consistency, and unwavering support for his son. That is why I stand with him—not because I have to, but because I believe in him.
I even named my first son after his father. That alone tells you how deep this connection runs. It is not about gain; it is about gratitude. It is about remembering where you came from and those who stood by you when it mattered most.
Now, as the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu Abubakar carries a huge responsibility—not just to Nigeria, but to a legacy that many of us hold dear. And from what I have seen, he is not taking that responsibility lightly.
He is a man of truth.
He is a man of his word.
He is a man who understands loyalty.
And I will continue to be loyal to him—with love, with respect, and with consistent support.
Because for me, this is not just a story.
It is my life.
It is my experience.
It is a legacy I have lived—and one I will continue to stand by.
– Musa Wada, Author of ‘Audu, Where Are You?’, writes from Abuja.
