By Rayyanu Bala

When Governor Abdullahi Sule, during the celebration of his Secretary to the State Government’s (SSG) birthday in Toto last week, described Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu as “a politician to the core,” he was apparently referring to the remarks made by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the commissioning of a lithium company in Nasarawa State the previous week.
Many people may have seen Governor Sule’s description of Wadada as “a politician to the core” as just another compliment. However, for those who have followed Wadada’s political journey over the years, it was simply a statement of fact.
By describing Wadada as “a politician to the core,” Governor Abdullahi Sule implied that he is a courageous individual. Courage, as we all know, is not only about displaying bravery in dangerous situations but also about consistently demonstrating strength of character in everyday life. These are indeed qualities that define Senator Wadada.
To those who know him, Wadada is someone who always believes in doing what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. He speaks the truth despite the possible consequences. His perseverance in the face of setbacks, hardship, and failure is legendary.
He recovers quickly from adversity and learns valuable lessons from every challenge he encounters.
Senator Wadada is also a disciplined individual. He controls his fears, emotions, and impulses while maintaining confidence in his abilities and recognizing his personal limitations.
He has consistently shown the courage to stand up for others, especially the vulnerable. Wadada is decisive, making thoughtful decisions even in uncertain and difficult circumstances.
Those who know him well will attest that he has defended principles and justice, even at personal risk, from an early age.
Therefore, when Governor Abdullahi Sule described Wadada as “a politician to the core,” he was indeed referring to these admirable qualities.
Indeed, Wadada’s courageous approach to life and politics is worthy of praise.
In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle described courage as one of the highest moral virtues because it enables people to act rightly despite fear. In everything he does, Wadada first conquers his fears, and that remains one of his greatest strengths.
Secondly, he demonstrates the remarkable strength of character in the face of danger and hardship. Thirdly, he does what he fears, believing that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.
For those who observe Wadada from afar, these are some of the qualities and principles that have contributed to his success in life. I have shared them freely.
However, politics is not something Ahmed Wadada stumbled into; it is the path he has consistently walked from the very beginning. Over the years, he has demonstrated an understanding of the political landscape that goes beyond making speeches or winning elections. He has shown that politics is as much about strategy, timing, and relationships as it is about popularity.
One of the most valuable lessons in politics is patience. Every successful politician understands that not every battle must be fought immediately. There are moments to advance, moments to negotiate, and moments to wait.
Wadada has mastered all of these qualities, which explains his success in politics. For newcomers to the political arena, his attributes should serve as valuable lessons. They should study and understand these qualities before attempting to compete with him.