By Ali Abare

In the often noisy and rowdy arena of Nigerian politics, the calm and reserved demeanor of Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, is frequently mistaken for a lack of political strength.

This perception is not just erroneous; it is an audacious miscalculation of a leader whose unique background has equipped him with a rare kind of political dexterity.

To overlook his quiet competence is to ignore the tangible results of his leadership and the sharp political mind operating behind the scenes.

Governor Sule is not a career politician in the conventional sense. His approach to governance is deeply rooted in decades of experience in the organized private sector, where he held executive positions, including Group Managing Director at Dangote Sugar Refinery.

This background is not merely a line on his resume; it is the foundation of his administrative philosophy. He runs the state with a CEO’s eye for efficiency, accountability, and results.

This is evident in his administration’s focus on attracting investment, improving infrastructure, and fostering economic growth based on sustainable models rather than short-term political gains.

His tenure has seen a deliberate push to leverage Nasarawa’s solid mineral resources and agricultural potential to create wealth and jobs for the people.

His perspective is further shaped by a significant part of his life spent in the United States, where he worked and studied.

This experience imbued in him the core principles of democracy, service delivery, and technocratic governance. It instilled in him a belief in systems and processes over personality-driven politics.

This indeed, is a key differentiator that often leaves opponents, accustomed to a different style of politicking, struggling to find a foothold against his methodical approach.

Furthermore, his deep knowledge of both the holy Qur’an and the Bible informs a leadership style marked by a profound reverence for faith and a strong moral compass.

This spiritual grounding translates into a governance style that emphasizes inclusivity, fairness, and a genuine desire to serve all citizens of Nasarawa, regardless of creed or ethnicity.

However, it is this bedrock of calm disposition that many mistake for weakness, without understanding that it is, in fact, the confidence of a man guided by a higher purpose than political theatrics.

Perhaps the most dangerous assumption is that he is a political novice. His foray into politics began in 2007 when he contested for governor under the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

While unsuccessful at the time, that early attempt and his subsequent journey have provided him with over a decade of political insight and network-building.

He is no stranger to the intricacies and demands of the political landscape. This long-term engagement means he understands the game, but he simply chooses to play it by a different set of rules—rules defined by development and integrity.

Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Sule has demonstrated this blend of intellectual capacity and political skill repeatedly. He has navigated complex challenges, from security concerns to economic pressures, with a steady hand.

His ability to maintain stability and foster development has earned him recognition beyond the state’s borders. His calm mien is not an absence of action but a calculated and thoughtful approach to leadership.

In a political environment where noise is often confused for strength, Governor Sule’s quiet force proves that true power lies not in loud declarations but in deliberate action, proven results, and an unwavering commitment to the people.

Therefore, those who take his reserved nature for granted do so at their own peril, for they are underestimating one of the most strategically competent leaders in the contemporary Nigerian political scene.

As the country inches towards the 2027 general election, it’s time for his detractors to rethink and instead of conjuring up unrealizable political theatrics, join hands with an uncommon leader whose political sagacity is placing Nasarawa State on national reckoning.

By now, it should be crystal clear to every well meaning citizen of the state that Governor Sule means well and that his calm, reserved facade lacks any nexus with political naivety but that his unassuming manner only depicts still waters that run deep.

Abare is the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Abdullahi Sule