Bello, Ododo, and the Power of Loyalty in Nigerian Politics.
By Abdul Mohammed Lawal.
Loyalty in politics plays a key role in fostering trust and unity in leadership. It tells of an individual’s dedication to a political party, leader, or cause. In Nigeria, however, loyalty often diverges from this ideal, formed instead by power struggles, personal ambitions, and shifting alliances.
From the colonial era to the present day, political loyalty in Nigeria has evolved under the influence of power struggles and survival. For much of the political class, loyalty has become synonymous with personal gain rather than a commitment to ideals or values. While politicians frequently switch parties or break alliances, a few notable instances have shown how genuine loyalty can benefit the nation.
These successes, however, leave pressing questions unanswered: Does loyalty in Nigerian politics foster stability, or does it breed mediocrity? Can leaders balance loyalty to their allies with the need to prioritize national interests?
This piece explores the impact of loyalty on governance, party politics, and public trust. It examines why loyalty in Nigerian politics can serve as a positive force rather than a liability, with the success of His Excellencies Alhaji Yahaya Bello and Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo as a case study.
Let’s delve into history a bit!
During colonial rule, loyalty was largely centered around ethnic and regional groups. Nigerian leaders sought to protect their communities’ interests in the face of British control. This pattern continued after independence in 1960, with political alliances formed along ethnic and regional lines. Leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello built followings based on regional loyalty, which defined early political parties like the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), the Action Group (AG), and the Northern People’s Congress (NPC).
The military era (1966–1999) further influenced the concept of political loyalty. Under military rule, loyalty was often enforced through fear and coercion, with leaders relying on trusted allies to maintain control. Political loyalty during this time was less about ideology and more about survival in a highly unstable environment. The era was defined by “acceptance under the gun.”
In the democratic era, loyalty shifted again. The rise of influential figures who support and control politicians, became a defining feature of Nigerian politics. These godfathers expect absolute loyalty from their protégés in exchange for financial and political backing. While this system has helped many politicians rise to power, it has also led to conflicts and betrayals when protégés feel they have outgrown their mentors’ control.
The notable fallout between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar tells how loyalty can disintegrate when ambitions clash. Similarly, the dynamic between His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Akinwunmi Ambode in Lagos exemplified these tensions, despite the state’s notable benefits from the godfather-protégé system.
But in all again, loyalty often helps to keep relationships between politicians strong, especially in the Nigerian system where trust is limited and alliances are continually tested.
In party politics, members are also expected to remain loyal to their political parties and leaders. However, this loyalty is characteristically shaky due to internal disagreements, leadership struggles, and personal ambitions. Most of the time, Nigerian politicians leave their parties when they see better chances of personal success elsewhere, showing that party loyalty is often based on opportunity rather than principle.
These politicians overlook that their leaders build these systems rooted in ideologies designed for long-term implementation. When faced with disloyalty and mistrust, leaders prioritise trusted individuals for key positions, even if they are not the most popular choices. Just as Asiwaju demonstrated in Lagos that every team member is qualified to lead, Bello has followed a similar path with Ododo in Kogi State.
In F-GYB’s Kogi State, loyalty in political alliances is grounded in long-term goals and shared values. Many politicians who were once seen as decisive and initially provided short-term stability eventually played themselves out when their self-serving actions threatened the system that built them. The choice of Ododo as a gubernatorial candidate stands out as one of the best political decisions in Kogi’s history.
Like the wisest of educators will say, there has been this unending conflict between loyalty and competence in Nigerian politics. Many positions are filled based on loyalty rather than merit. While this ensures trust, it often results in critical roles being occupied by individuals who lack the necessary skills to perform effectively. This practice can lead to poor decision-making and inefficiency, but Yahaya Bello offered a different perspective on this narrative.
While there were persistent attempts to create negative perceptions about his choice of successor, Bello demonstrated a vision that went beyond loyalty by recognizing Ododo’s uncommon commitment to service.
These attacks aimed to erode trust in government and frustrate progress, but instead, they prompted people to ask questions and learn more about their new governor.
Under Ododo’s leadership, Kogi State has made significant progress, including citizen and employee welfare, improved roads linking villages to towns, and youth training programs that have created job opportunities. His transparent, people-focused leadership has also strengthened public trust, proving Bello’s wisdom in choosing a successor who truly represents the “Reformed New Direction.”
The last eleven months have undoubtedly been the most impressive start any governor has had in governing Kogi State. This was “Bello’s dream.”
Whether explicitly stated or not, loyalty provides stability and ensures that leaders can rely on their teams to achieve their visions for a prosperous Nigeria. Without loyalty, leaders may face resistance or sabotage from within. However, a strong ideological foundation can withstand such challenges and sustain a thriving political system. Lagos has demonstrated this repeatedly, and Kogi State is now on a similar path, telling its own story.
With clear values and long-term goals, alliances may evolve and adapt, inching closer to perfection. This stability has a positive impact on governance, party cohesion, and the nation’s overall progress.
As a Kogite, do you still blame His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for his choice of successor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo? Do you still believe the decision was purely about loyalty, or was it a story of competence found in the camera-shy chief servant of the average Kogite?
I choose to believe in the “New Kogi State.” Where do you stand?
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