Dr. Aliyu Bello: The Silent Political Architect Behind APC’s Success in Nasarawa
By Abubakar Suleiman Rimi Uku
The just concluded APC primaries in Nasarawa State have further cemented the political stature of Dr. Aliyu Bello as one of the most influential strategists within the ruling party. Popularly referred to by critics as “Uban Delu,” the APC chairman once again demonstrated his political strength by successfully navigating the party through a highly competitive primary process that produced victories for key party figures across the state.
Political observers believe the outcome of the primaries exposed the depth of his organizational capacity, grassroots influence, and ability to manage internal party dynamics.
Many who doubted his leadership were left surprised by the smooth conduct and successful outcome of the exercise.
Dr. Aliyu Bello’s political journey is deeply rooted in a family with a rich political history dating back to the First and Second Republics.
His elder brother, Yahaya Sabo, served as National Secretary of the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), Commissioner for Works in the defunct Benue-Plateau State, and Liaison Officer to former President Shehu Shagari in Benue State.
Another brother, Umar Azores Suleiman, was selected as running mate to a Plateau State governorship candidate in 1983, while Mustapha Bello and Yahaya Bello also served as commissioners during different administrations in the old Plateau State.
With such political heritage, Dr. Aliyu Bello began his own career from the grassroots as a councillor in Lafia Local Government Area. Over the years, he steadily built his political profile and became a respected figure across Nasarawa State.
Before joining the APC, he was an active member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he aspired to serve as the party’s state secretary.
Though that ambition did not materialize, his eventual move to the APC marked a major turning point in his political career, as he later emerged as party scribe and eventually chairman.
Beyond party administration, Dr. Aliyu Bello has played critical roles in shaping Nasarawa State’s political landscape over the years.
He was among the key political actors who worked tirelessly for the emergence of former Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and also contributed significantly to Al-Makura’s successful senatorial bid after leaving office in 2019.
He was equally regarded as one of the major forces behind the emergence of Governor Abdullahi Sule, helping to consolidate party structures and mobilize support that paved the way for the current administration.
The recent APC primaries once again highlighted his strategic importance within the party, especially with the emergence of Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as winner of the party’s primary election.
Political stakeholders believe the outcome further reflects Dr. Aliyu Bello’s growing influence and his ability to unite key political interests within the APC.
Many analysts now see him as one of the strongest pillars sustaining the APC’s dominance in Nasarawa State, with his leadership style continuing to shape the party’s direction ahead of future political contests.
