By Musan Musa, Wamba

It has become necessary, in the interest of accountability and good governance, to address the growing public concern surrounding the activities linked to the Accountant General of Nasarawa State, Dr. Musa Ahmed Mohammed, Baraden Nasarawa.

In the last one year or there about, the state has witnessed the proliferation of billboards, posters, and media advertorials urging Dr. Mohammed to contest the 2027 governorship election. While his associates insist that he has not officially declared any political ambition, these well-coordinated campaigns suggest otherwise. The claim that such efforts are merely the handiwork of “well-wishers” stretches public credulity.

It is worth asking: since when did large-scale political publicity emerge spontaneously, without the consent or support of the individual concerned? In a political environment as resource-driven as ours, it would be disingenuous to assume that these activities are occurring without Dr. Mohammed’s knowledge or encouragement. If this is not the early stage of a shadow campaign, then it bears every resemblance to one.

Supporters of the Accountant General have sought refuge in constitutional provisions—particularly Sections 66(1f), 107(1f), 137(1g), and 182(1g) of the 1999 Constitution—arguing that resignation from public office is required only 30 days before an election. While this may be legally correct, it misses the fundamental ethical point.

Public officials, especially those entrusted with sensitive responsibilities such as managing state finances, are bound not only by the letter of the law but also by the spirit of impartiality and political neutrality. The position of Accountant General demands integrity, focus, and the avoidance of any action that could compromise public trust.

Allowing, or even tolerating, campaign activities in one’s name while occupying such an office represents a clear conflict of interest and an erosion of the boundaries that safeguard the credibility of public service. The ethical question here is not about timing of resignation but about the propriety of mixing official duties with political ambition.

The Code of Conduct for Public Officers (Fifth Schedule, Part I, Paragraph 1) provides that:

A public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.

And Paragraph 9 adds:

A public officer shall not be a member of, belong to, or take part in the management or affairs of any political party.

This simple means public servants are prohibited from active partisan politics while still in service — including campaigning, openly supporting a candidate, or holding party office.
Public Servants are expected to maintain political neutrality until they properly resign.

Therefore the implications of this is that: If a civil servant participates in political campaigning without resigning, they violate both the Constitution and the Code of Conduct.

Furthermore, the public display of loyalty to Governor Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule by Baraden Nasarawa rings hollow in the face of these premature political campaigns. Genuine loyalty would entail respecting the Governor’s leadership and allowing the political process to unfold naturally, not undermining it through orchestrated campaigns and publicity drives.

At a time when Nasarawa State faces fiscal boost and developmental Strides in all the sectors of the economy as a result of Engr. Abdullahi Sule’s integrity, the Accountant General should be fully preoccupied with managing public resources prudently and transparently. The political posters and praise songs distract from his obligation and cast doubt on his commitment to neutrality and discipline in managing public resources.

If Dr. Mohammed genuinely intends to seek elective office, the honourable course of action would be to resign his position and pursue his ambition openly and fairly, like any other aspirant. Such a step would not only demonstrate personal integrity but also reaffirm the principle that public office must not be used, directly or indirectly, for political advantage.

Governor Abdullahi Sule is therefore urged to take appropriate steps to reassert ethical discipline within his administration. Allowing serving officials to engage in political activity undercuts the credibility of government and weakens public confidence in its impartiality.

The office of Accountant General deserves a leader who can distinguish between service and self-interest, between the duties of public office and the temptations of political ambition. The use of state influence or resources whether real or perceived to gain political advantage must be condemned by all who value fairness and good governance.

Public office is a trust, not a campaign platform. For the sake of integrity in governance, Baraden Nasarawa must choose between managing the treasury of Nasarawa state and pursuing his political ambition.