By Nazir S-Fada Tirwun
In the intricate theatre of Nigerian politics, where loyalty is often overlooked and merit sacrificed on the altar of favoritism, the case of Hon. Aliyu Bala Tirwun offers a sobering reflection on the price of political allegiance.
For over a decade, Hon. Tirwun has remained a committed and dependable member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), standing firm through turbulent seasons and internal crises. He is no stranger to the grassroots, having contested twice in the party’s primary elections to represent Zungur Galambi Miri Constituency in the Bauchi State House of Assembly. He also vied for the position of Deputy Chairman of Bauchi local government area council, all without success.
Despite these electoral setbacks, Hon. Tirwun continued to serve the party faithfully. His appointments as a member of the Governing Council of Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education, Kangere, and later as a Special Assistant to the Governor of Bauchi State followed by his reappointment as a board member of the same institution speak volumes of his dedication and competence. Yet, he remains largely unrecognized within the upper echelons of the PDP hierarchy.
In a political party that should thrive on loyalty, inclusivity, and grassroots engagement, Tirwun’s exclusion from stakeholder consultations and strategic decision-making is not only unjust but emblematic of a larger systemic failure within the PDP. It raises critical questions: What is the value of loyalty in a party that rewards only allegiance to political godfathers? How long can promising youth leaders wait on the sidelines while recycled leadership continues to dominate?
It is against this backdrop that the call for Hon. Aliyu Tirwun to decamp to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) becomes both timely and strategic. ADC offers a fresh political space free from the baggage of legacy betrayal and rigid internal structures. It is a party that embraces innovation, youth-driven politics, and grassroots transformation.
Tirwun’s movement to ADC would not only be a political statement but a powerful inspiration to the many young and competent politicians across Nigeria who have been sidelined by the old guard. It would symbolize a shift from subservience to self-determination from betrayal to bold leadership.
For a nation desperately in need of new political thinking, Hon. Tirwun’s transition to ADC could serve as a catalyst for reform and renewal, particularly in Bauchi State where youth involvement in governance remains low despite their numerical strength and civic enthusiasm.
In the end, political parties must realize that loyalty without recognition breeds resentment. And for emerging leaders like Tirwun, the time to choose purpose over party is now. As the political tide begins to shift ahead of 2027, Nigeria’s youth must rally behind movements and platforms that prioritize inclusion, vision, and progress over patronage.
History will not remember those who clung to broken systems, but those who had the courage to walk away and build something better.
