By Rayyanu Bala

The groundbreaking of the Keffi Flyover was supposed to be a routine government function just another ribbon-cutting. But what transpired was something worthy of highlighting: a symbolic moment of political maturity and quiet transformation in Nasarawa State’s political landscape.

Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, the man at the center of the project, was flanked by top state officials and political allies, including former governor and former Senator, Abdullahi Adamu. But it was the presence and words of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu that elevated the event. His appearance, as a senator elected on a Social Democratic Party (SDP) ticket, alongside the All Progressives Congress (APC) governor, reminded us that politics can still be about principles, not just party lines.

Wadada didn’t mince words. He spoke of past decisions, his departure from the APC, his endorsement of Governor Sule’s re-election in 2023, even while running under a different political banner. To many, that choice was baffling. To those who understand Nasarawa politics and the weight of integrity, it was a principled stand.

“Some couldn’t understand why we campaigned for A.A. Sule while under another party’s banner,” he said. “But we did it because what is good is good regardless of party or personality.”

That statement wasn’t just political statement. It was a direct challenge to the zero-sum politics that often dominate Nigeria’s electoral scene. Wadada and Sule’s mutual acknowledgment of each other’s leadership styles and values marked a rare moment of political harmony. And perhaps, a preview of what may lie ahead in 2027.

Yes, there were jokes and jabs Wadada’s push for federal reimbursement for the flyover, and Sule’s quick-witted response that he’d prefer to use the refund himself to build another bridge in Mararaba. But behind the banter lay a serious political subtext: the two men clearly see eye-to-eye, and they may be positioning themselves for a future alliance.

Governor Sule’s pointed yet playful comment: “I know your interest, and you know mine… Let’s strike a deal” This should not go unnoticed. For political watchers, that moment could prove pivotal. It hinted at a shared understanding, a long game being played with subtlety and calculation.

What does this mean for Nasarawa? Potentially a lot. In a time when Nasarawa politics is often mired in tribalism and bitterness. What happened in Keffi showed us something refreshingly different: a glimpse of politics rooted in performance, mutual respect, and shared goals.

More importantly, it reinforced the idea that governance should be about service, not sentiments. The Keffi Flyover, a 0.9km stretch of road, may soon ease traffic and improve mobility. But the message it carried during its foundation-laying ceremony was even more profound. It reminded us that the real bridges we need are those between leaders, parties, and the people.

As we inch closer to 2027, the political dynamics of Nasarawa will surely shift again. But whatever direction the state takes, the events in Keffi may well be remembered as a turning point, a quiet pact, a handshake across divides, a new kind of politics taking root.

And if that bridge stands for decades to come, perhaps it will do more than carry cars. Maybe, just maybe, it will carry a legacy of unity, vision, and a better kind of leadership.