PROF. ALI AHMAD: LAWMAKER WHO DELIVERED BEYOND CHAMBER
In Nigeria’s political space, it is easy to misunderstand or downplay the role of legislators. Many citizens, understandably frustrated by decades of non-performance, often ask: What exactly do lawmakers do? The answer lies not only in making laws but in shaping the structures that underpin development, justice, education, and economic progress. It is here that Prof. Ali Ahmad distinguishes himself—not just as a legislator, but as a reformer whose impact is both practical and transformative.
A highly respected academic, Prof. Ali Ahmad is a Professor of Constitutional Law and a former Dean of Law at the University of Ilorin. But beyond the ivory tower, he has walked the path of public service with discipline and purpose. As a Member of the House of Representatives (2011–2015), he became Nigeria’s most prolific legislator of the 7th Assembly—sponsoring more bills than any other member, including a national record of ten bills passed in one sitting. His legislative accomplishments were rooted in deep legal knowledge, but more importantly, they were guided by a commitment to the people he represented.
However, Prof. Ali Ahmad’s vision of representation was never confined to lawmaking in Abuja. While contributing to national policy, he ensured that his constituents in Ilorin East/South felt the real, physical dividends of governance. He facilitated the construction of classrooms, ICT centres, and solar-powered boreholes across underserved communities. He supported education by sponsoring WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB materials and coaching for thousands of students. He empowered families with hundreds of grinding machines and motorcycles, and opened up employment opportunities in federal institutions like the NTA, EFCC, Immigration, and the judiciary. He did all of this not as a favour, but as a duty.
When he returned to Kwara State and became Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly (2015–2019), his reform agenda deepened. He led the Assembly to pass several landmark laws that are still models for other states across Nigeria. From the Public Procurement Law that strengthened transparency in spending, to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law that protected victims of abuse and gender-based violence, his legislative legacy touched every aspect of human development—governance, justice, social inclusion, economy, security, and the environment.
Importantly, Prof. Ahmad understood that true and lasting development must be institutionalized. Building a healthcare centre in a rural community is a meaningful gesture—it saves lives today. But a law that guarantees access to basic healthcare across all rural communities ensures that lives are saved for generations. Prof. Ali Ahmad did both: he delivered impactful physical projects and established the legal frameworks that sustain those impacts.
This is the often-unseen power of legislation. Roads, boreholes, schools, and jobs are all critical, but it is the laws behind the scenes that ensure equitable access, transparency, continuity, and sustainability. And this is what Ali Ahmad mastered—he was not just solving today’s problems; he was laying down the legal and institutional foundation for future progress.
Those who ask, What did he do as a lawmaker? must look beyond brick and mortar. Prof. Ali Ahmad gave us laws that protect our rights, policies that create jobs, and reforms that ensure justice and inclusion. He didn’t just legislate—he delivered with foresight, focus, and fidelity to the people.
As Kwara contemplates its future, it must remember that real leadership is not about noise or theatrics. It is about substance, structure, and service. And in all these, Prof. Ali Ahmad stands tall—as a man of law, a man of the people, and a man of lasting impact.
Signed:
Amb. Habeeb Lawal,
Ali Ahmad Support Group (AASG)