By Rayyanu Bala

Since Dr. Aliyu Bello, Chairman of the APC in Nasarawa State, made his compassionate remarks aimed at easing political tension within the party during the presentation of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Banquet Hall of the Government House last Monday, some commentators have interpreted his conciliatory tone as a sign of withdrawal or regret. They have even gone as far as questioning his leadership style since assuming office as chairman.

However, to all intents and purposes, Aliyu Bello, as I have known him since childhood, is not someone who gives up a fight easily. Therefore, his soft remarks on that occasion should not be seen as a sign of weakness, but rather as an expression of reconciliation and maturity in leadership.

The issue surrounding the relationship between Aliyu Bello and Senator Wadada has been over flogged. The fact that Aliyu Bello is a personal friend of Senator Wadada does not mean that Aliyu Bello should be removed as the Chairman of the APC, nor does it mean that Senator Wadada should abandon his ambition of becoming the Governor of Nasarawa State under the APC platform. Such a situation has never happened anywhere.

Of- course, politics, loyalty and friendship are sometimes seen as liabilities rather than strengths. This is precisely the predicament Aliyu Bello finds himself in, as he navigates the delicate balance between friendship and political responsibility.

His close relationship with Senator Ahmed Wadada, who is contesting for the governorship under the same APC platform, as earlier noted, has sparked controversy. But before we rush to judgment, we must consider the facts and more importantly, the principles of fairness, leadership, and patience.

Aliyu Bello and Senator Wadada’s bond is not a recent political convenience; it is a lifelong friendship spanning over 45 years. They have shared struggles, growth, and unwavering support for each other. Their relationship is deeper than politics, it is brotherhood. Yet, some political rivals view this friendship as a threat to their ambitions and have mounted relentless attacks on Aliyu Bello’s position, claiming undue advantage for Wadada. Such accusations overlook the structure and realities of party politics.

There is no reason whatsoever for the contenders for the governorship position in Nasarawa State to worry about the relationship between Aliyu Bello and Senator Wadada.

The APC constitution clearly places the governor at the top of the party hierarchy. As state party chairman, Aliyu Bello is a servant to the party’s leadership, taking directives from the governor himself. Aliyu Bello’s role, though important, is limited in scope and influence when it comes to deciding the party’s candidates. History offers a compelling example: during the tenure of former governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura, Aliyu Bello was State Party Scribe, yet Wadada contested and lost the governorship primary because Al-Makura supported another candidate. This precedent debunks the notion that Aliyu Bello wields unilateral power in determining who the party backs.

It is equally important to recognize that the impending APC governorship primary is likely to favour the governor’s preferred candidate, not necessarily Aliyu Bello’s friend. Political realities often transcend personal loyalties. Therefore, attacking Aliyu Bello is not just unfair, it is misplaced. These attacks serve more as distractions and attempts to destabilize the party rather than address substantive political issues.

Aliyu Bello’s leadership should be measured not by the envy or fear, but by his ability to maintain composure amid provocation. Political leadership requires endurance, patience, and the wisdom to remain calm in the face of criticism. Aliyu Bello’s experience and dedication should be appreciated, not undermined by those who seek to weaponize friendship as a political vulnerability.

Thankfully, Governor Sule has since realized this, as during the said presentation visit, he acknowledged the efforts made by Aliyu Bello, noting that much has been done, even if not everyone recognizes it. He emphasized that it is not necessary for everyone to see what is being done; what matters is that the key people who matter most appreciate and commend the work. With humility, he added that he considers himself one of those individuals and expressed his gratitude to Aliyu Bello accordingly.

In conclusion, Aliyu Bello deserves our understanding. His leadership, grounded in loyalty and integrity, is a strength for the APC and a model for how politics can coexist with genuine friendship. Let us not allow petty rivalries and baseless suspicions to cloud our judgment. Instead, let us encourage patience and fairness. After all, leadership is not about succumbing to pressure, it is about standing firm with dignity and resilience.

Aliyu Bello, as it stands today, remains steadfast and resilient.