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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Hon. Aliyu Bello, has decried the growing public perception that politicians are “jobless”, saying such sentiments often fuel unhealthy political behaviour and manipulation by political actors.
Bello spoke in Lafia during an interactive session with journalists on Monday, where he addressed issues ranging from the amended electoral timetable and direct primaries to zoning, defections, and the performance of both the state and federal governments.
“Because when we are doing politics, people call us jobless. They believe that if you are in politics, you don’t have a job,” he said, adding that citizens sometimes encourage unhealthy political behaviour.
“We are too gullible, and the politicians use us and weaponise us to just confuse us. The moment you leave office and begin to abuse the government, people start supporting you,” he stated.
On the recent amendment to the Electoral Act adjusting the election timetable, Bello said he believes in due process and the rule of law.
“It is an Act of Parliament. Once it has been enacted into law, we have no option but to follow it. As politicians, we are always prepared for elections,” he said, noting that campaigns often begin shortly after a new administration takes office.
Commenting on the party’s congresses in the state, the APC chairman described the exercise as largely successful despite minor complaints.
“In normal circumstances, it goes by consensus. If you achieve 85 percent success, you are good to go. We addressed the few complaints that came up,” he said.
On direct primaries, Bello acknowledged that while the process could be cumbersome, it remains more democratic than delegate-based systems.
“Anything that is democratic, no matter how cumbersome, we have to go by it because democracy is about the people.
A situation where 2,000 delegates determine the fate of over two million people is not ideal,” he said, disclosing that over 250,000 members registered during the party’s recent e-registration in the state.
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Bello also backed Governor Abdullahi Sule’s position on zoning, describing it as a stabilising factor in the state’s political arrangement.
“Without zoning, some zones would never have produced a governor. It may not be written, but it is a silent and positive negotiation that we should be our brother’s keeper,” he said, adding that zoning does not prevent anyone from contesting.
On the defection of a prominent governorship aspirant to the APC, Bello confirmed the development, describing it as a gain for the party.
“He has come already. He is a registered member in his ward. For us, it is a plus,” he said, while maintaining that opposition politics would still exist in the state.
Assessing the performance of the Nasarawa State Government, Bello cited infrastructure projects, healthcare improvements, and civil service reforms as notable achievements.
“When you have a government that constructs multiple flyovers within two years and revitalises the civil service without borrowing, you must acknowledge the effort,” he said.
At the federal level, he defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary economic reform.
“Economists had predicted that the economy would collapse without subsidy removal. Though it was difficult at first, allocations to states have increased significantly,” he said, noting that states now receive higher monthly revenues.
Bello dismissed allegations of discriminatory appointments at the federal level, arguing that similar patterns occurred under previous administrations and urging fairness in political assessments.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to support governments at all levels rather than undermining them for political gain.
“We must support what is supportable. If you want to criticise, defend your position, but don’t weaponise the people,” he said.
