By Rayyanu Bala

Firstly, we must understand that politics is never played in a vacuum. Retired IGP Adamu did not enter the Nasarawa State governorship contest as a neutral bridge-builder preaching continuity, collaboration, or party unity. From the very beginning, he positioned himself as a counterforce within the party structure. He chose to champion his own course aggressively, signaling that he was ready to confront rather than consolidate.
No one is denying his right to pursue his ambition in whatever manner he chooses. That is his constitutional right. However, as we are all aware, every action has consequences.
One cannot openly operate like an opposition coalition within the same party and then expect the established leadership to pretend nothing is happening.
Within the Nasarawa State political landscape, party hierarchy matters. The recognized leader of the party in the state is Governor Abdullahi Sule. When members of IGP Adamu’s camp publicly boast that even the party leader cannot stop them, what exactly do they expect? Applause? Endorsement? A red carpet reception?
Politics is reciprocal. Respect is reciprocal. Loyalty is reciprocal.
IGP Adamu and his team have not exactly extended olive branches. Their posture has been combative from day one. They have projected strength through defiance rather than diplomacy. That is a flawed political strategy. With such an approach, one cannot reasonably expect warmth from the incumbent government.
The retired IGP’s camp frequently claims “intimidation” regarding actions taken by the government that they find unfavorable—most recently, the removal of his posters by a government agency. However, poster regulation and enforcement are administrative matters. Governments routinely manage public spaces. If there are disagreements about enforcement, there are legal mechanisms available to address them. Turning the issue into a moral crusade may not be the most strategic option.
More importantly, portraying IGP Adamu as a helpless victim is politically disingenuous. He is not a novice. He is a former Inspector General of Police—a man who understands power structures, authority, and enforcement better than most. To suggest that he is being unfairly targeted, without presenting clear evidence of a formal directive singling him out, remains speculative at best.
If his strategy from the outset has been to challenge the internal power structure of the party, then he must be prepared for pushback. That is not persecution. That is politics.
Again, no one is denying his constitutional right to contest. But constitutional rights do not shield anyone from political consequences. If his camp openly antagonizes the leadership of the party in the state, it is unrealistic to expect the government under Sule to treat that hostility as irrelevant.
Political successes in Nasarawa State will not come from emotional outbursts. It will come from discipline, adherence to party processes, and maturity.
If the retired IGP truly seeks leadership, he must demonstrate the temperament of a statesman, not the posture of a factional warlord within his own party.
Politics is not only about ambition. It is also about strategy, alliances, and respect for structure. On that front, his camp must first look inward before crying foul.