Hon. Dr. Aliyu Bello, the current State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, stands out as a consummate politician, accomplished administrator, and devoted philanthropist whose career spans decades in both public service and party leadership.
Early Life and Academic Background
Born on December 31, 1966, in Rimi Uku, Lafia, to Alhaji Bello Ibrahim and Hajia Maryam Bello, Dr. Bello's journey began with his formative education at Dunama Primary School (1970–1977) and Mangu Secondary School, Plateau State (1977–1982).
He furthered his studies with a Diploma in Insurance from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1987–1989), an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Jos (1993–1994), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (1997–1998). He went on to obtain a Master’s in Public Administration from Benue State University (2000–2004) and recently capped his academic pursuit with a PhD in Peace and Conflict Resolution from Nasarawa State University, Keffi (2024).
Public Service and Political Engagement
Dr. Bello’s early professional career began at the Plateau State Publishing Company (1990–1998), before the creation of Nasarawa State, where he subsequently held strategic administrative roles including Higher Executive Officer, Senior Executive Officer, and Principal Administrative Officer from 1998 to 2006.
His political journey took shape with his election as Councilor representing Gayam Ward in Lafia Local Government (1995). He later served as Special Adviser on Political Affairs to Lafia Local Government in 2005 and again in 2014.
He rose to prominence within the APC as the State Secretary from 2014 to 2023, and as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in 2017. He was instrumental in several successful APC campaigns, serving as Youth Mobilization Director (2011) and playing vital advisory roles during the 2015 and 2019 general elections.
In addition to politics, Dr. Bello contributed as Principal Logistics Manager during the 2003 All African Games (COJA), and is a former associate of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and the Nasarawa State Football Association (1999–2003).
He is also the founder of the Aliyu Bello Charity Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1996 that continues to drive social development across Nasarawa State.
APC Leadership and Party Vision
In August 2023, following the resignation of Dr. John Mamman, Dr. Aliyu Bello was unanimously endorsed and sworn in as APC Nasarawa State Chairman. His appointment was seen as a reward for his loyalty, experience, and grassroots credibility.
Under his stewardship, the APC in Nasarawa reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, particularly during the build-up to the 2024 Local Government Elections. He insisted on strict adherence to party screening guidelines and fair candidate selection across all council areas.
Current Status and Legal Tussles
Despite his accomplishments, Dr. Bello's leadership is currently embroiled in controversy following his suspension by a faction of Gayam Ward officials over alleged anti-party activities. Although countered by a larger faction within the same ward, the matter has escalated to the courts.
A Lafia Senior District Court initially issued a restraining order, barring him from acting as Chairman, but the Federal High Court in Lafia overturned that decision, instructing parties to maintain the status quo pending full hearing scheduled for September 25, 2025.
Summary Profile at a Glance
Attribute Details
Full Name Hon. Dr. Aliyu Bello Ibrahim
State of Origin Nasarawa State
Political Party All Progressives Congress (APC)
Positions Held APC State Secretary (2014–2023), Chairman (2023–)
Education Diploma to PhD in Public Admin & Conflict Resolution
Strengths Grassroots mobilizer, seasoned administrator, philanthropist
Current Situation Facing internal party disputes and legal action
Outlook
Hon. Dr. Aliyu Bello remains a key figure in Nasarawa’s political landscape.
While internal party wrangling and ongoing litigation cast a shadow over his position, his track record of service, loyalty, and strategic political engagement keeps him in strong contention as a pillar of the APC in Nasarawa State.
