By Rayyanu Bala

The reactions that followed my opinion article published yesterday in Nasarawa Eye Online, titled “2027: Why We Must Key into Governor Sule’s Vision,” have been both interesting and enlightening. While many agreed with my position, others argued that accepting a political appointment does not automatically make someone a politician or compel one to support the governor’s preferred political direction.
I respectfully disagree.
Politics is about loyalty, shared vision, and collective responsibility. The moment you willingly accept a political appointment from an elected government, you become part of that political administration. Whether you are a commissioner, special adviser, board chairman, or any other political appointee, you are no longer a neutral observer. You are now part of a political team with a mandate to implement the governor’s agenda and advance the administration’s vision.
This is not about suppressing anyone’s right to personal opinion. Every citizen is entitled to hold personal political beliefs. However, there is a distinction between private convictions and public responsibility. If you are serving in a political office, your first responsibility is to support the government that entrusted you with that position. If you cannot genuinely align with the administration’s direction, then the honourable thing to do is to step aside rather than remain in office while working against the government from within.
That is how partisan politics operates across democracies around the world. Political appointments are based on confidence and trust. A governor naturally expects those serving in his administration to believe in his policies, defend his programmes, and support his political objectives.
Nigeria’s political history offers many examples. From the era of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa through the administrations of President Shehu Shagari, President Olusegun Obasanjo, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, President Goodluck Jonathan, and President Muhammadu Buhari, governments have consistently relied on political appointees who shared their vision and political direction. This has never been unusual; it is part of the nature of democratic politics.
The same pattern is evident in Nasarawa State. Senator Abdullahi Adamu used the influence and political structure of his administration to facilitate the emergence of the late Aliyu Akwe Doma as governor. Likewise, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura deployed the political strength of his administration in supporting the emergence of Engr. Abdullahi Sule.
If history has followed this path, why should anyone expect Governor Abdullahi Sule to act differently?
It is therefore neither surprising nor inappropriate for Governor Sule to support Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu as the person he believes can sustain and build upon his developmental vision for Nasarawa State. Every political leader seeks continuity through a successor who understands and shares the ideals of the administration.
Those serving in Governor Sule’s government should therefore appreciate the privilege of serving under his leadership and be willing to project the administration’s achievements and political direction. It would be contradictory to accept the benefits and responsibilities of political office while simultaneously opposing the political vision of the government that appointed you.
This is not a call for blind loyalty. It is a call for political consistency and integrity.
If one chooses to serve in a political office, one should be prepared to support its vision. If one is unable to do so, one should step aside or be relieved of the position for him to pursue a different political path he so desires.
This is how responsible partisan politics works, not only in Nasarawa State but across every functioning democracy.