By Rayyanu Bala

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State recently warned his political appointees who don’t share his vision to leave.

In principle, Governor Radda is right, and there is little room to fault his position. Politics demands loyalty, commitment, and a shared vision between a political leader and those he appointed. If an appointee cannot identify with the vision of the principal who appointed him, stepping aside is the most honourable option.

Although I am not calling on Governor Abdullahi Sule to adopt Governor Radda’s approach, I believe a clear warning must be sent to all political appointees to sit up, live up to expectations, and demonstrate genuine commitment to Governor Sule’s 2027 vision. Political appointments are positions of privilege; that come with responsibilities and expectations.

Those who have been entrusted with such responsibilities must, therefore, rise to the occasion, justify the confidence reposed in them, and contribute meaningfully to the success of the APC in Nasarawa State.

The time has come for every appointee to demonstrate that they are not only part of the government but also committed partners in achieving Governor Sule’s political goals in 2027.

In every political journey, there comes a time when loyalty must move beyond words and become visible through action. For Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, that time is now, as political discussions and alignments surrounding the 2027 succession gather momentum.

It is worth noting that some appointees are making visible efforts to promote the APC ticket of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu and Ombugadu, while others remain onlookers.

In the eyes of some political observers, certain appointees are visibly working and demonstrating a willingness to engage stakeholders, mobilise supporters, reach out to party members, and keep the conversation about the Wadada–Ombugadu ticket alive. Others, however, appear content to remain on the sidelines.

Some time ago, while hosting members of the Wadada Project at the Government House, Governor Abdullahi Sule was quoted as expressing his desire for the day he would hand over the mantle of leadership of Nasarawa State to Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu to be his happiest day.

Governor Sule’s statement symbolises his aspiration and political vision. However, aspiration do not become reality simply because a leader expresses them. They require organisation, consultation, commitment, and the collective efforts of those who believe in the project.

If Governor Sule’s political associates, appointees and supporters genuinely share his aspiration to hand over power to Senator Wadada, the question to ask is whether their actions reflect the seriousness of the moment, especially as the political campaign gathers momentum?

It is not enough to attend meetings, take photographs with supporters, issue statements of solidarity, or proclaim loyalty whenever an opportunity arises. Genuine commitment must also be reflected in the ability to engage people at the grassroots, maintain contact with party members and supporters, strengthen relationships within the APC, and contribute meaningfully to political discussions in our respective communities. This is the genuine commitment we are talking about.

It is time for associates, supporters, and appointees alike to examine their level of participation in this political journey. They should ask themselves what practical contributions they are making, within their localities and within their available resources, to strengthen the APC and prepare for the coming elections.

Of course, the apparent reluctance of some appointees to become visibly involved in APC engagements in their respective wards is increasingly becoming uncomfortable.

Surely, a political appointment comes with responsibilities, as I have stated elsewhere. While the primary duty of every appointee is to serve the people and discharge official responsibilities professionally, appointees must also understand the political environment in which they operate. They can support and mobilise for the APC without compromising the discharge of their official duties.

Being apolitical in the sense of refusing to participate in APC campaigns is, in my view, not only wrong but also an act of insubordination. Those who voluntarily accept political appointments should understand that their positions come with certain expectations within the framework of the party in government.

At this stage, sitting on the fence amounts to an act of disloyalty. Those who accept appointments under Governor Sule should be ready to support his preferred successor openly and forcefully.

I am not suggesting that public resources should be used for partisan purposes. Rather, I am emphasising that political appointees should make their contributions within the boundaries of the law.

Indeed, it has become imperative for political appointees to consider the Wadada–Ombugadu ticket as a political project that must be delivered in 2027.

Every political appointee should consider how to strengthen the APC in his or her ward and local government area. They should engage party leaders, encourage dialogue among members, help resolve internal disagreements, and support the development of sustainable grassroots structures.

All political appointees must demonstrate the capacity and willingness to contribute practically to the success of the Wadada–Ombugadu ticket in their respective wards. These responsibilities should not be taken lightly.

We are all witnesses to how some people argue that Governor Abdullahi Sule lacks the capacity to influence the emergence of his successor. They question whether he can successfully influence the choice of the person who will succeed him as governor of Nasarawa State.

We maintain that Governor Sule has the capacity to influence the emergence of his preferred successor. However, he can only achieve this through the support, commitment, and determination of all those who share his political vision, including political appointees, party leaders, and supporters.

Those who believe that Governor Sule lacks the capacity to influence the emergence of his preferred successor should think twice.

As stated earlier, Governor Sule’s political appointees can play a significant role in making this happen.

Those who believe in or support the Wadada–Ombugadu ticket must move beyond verbal declarations and become more actively involved in APC activities. Those who are already working for the ticket should intensify their efforts, while those who have yet to begin should start now.

Political appointees must not shy away from participating in APC activities. They should engage their communities, strengthen party structures, encourage peaceful dialogue, and present their arguments openly before the electorate.

We must all do our part to make Governor Abdullahi Sule the happiest person in May 2027.