My Political Career Trajectory – Rt Hon Danladi Jatau, Speaker, NSHA

By Matthew Kuju

A conversation with Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau caused him to unveil the narrative of his illustrious political career.

As select journalists sat down with the distinguished Speaker of the seventh Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, at his residence in Lafia, they were privileged to hear first-hand the remarkable story of his political career trajectory. With a wealth of experience spanning several years, Dr. Jatau’s journey reveals his dedication to public service, his unshakeable passion for the development of his people, and his remarkable ability to navigate the complexities of local politics.

Dr. Jatau’s entry into politics was not a chance occurrence, but rather a deliberate decision driven by his desire to make a positive impact on his community. Growing up in a rural setting, he was exposed to the harsh realities of poverty, inequality, and limited access to basic amenities. These early experiences instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and a strong commitment to creating positive change.

Dr. Jatau’s ascent to prominence in Nasarawa State politics was swift and decisive. His unique blend of charisma, intelligence, and strategic thinking quickly earned him recognition and respect from his peers and constituents alike. As he traversed the complex politics of Nasarawa State, Dr. Jatau demonstrated an uncommon commitment to his core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

When asked to reflect on his entry into politics, Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, shared a glimpse into his inspiring story. “My political history is extensive, but I’ll provide a concise overview,” he began.

According him, in 1996, following the creation of Nasarawa State, he made the decision to venture into politics. His community, recognizing his humble background, encouraged him to contest for the Councillorship of Bassa Electoral Ward in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, under the platform of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) in 1997.

Dr. Jatau’s entry into politics was met with resounding success. He recalled, “I returned from Abuja, where I was engaged in petty business, and my community supported me by electing me as the Councillor representing Bassa Electoral Ward.” His tenure, though brief, lasting only about a year and two months, was marked by significant achievements.

The sudden dissolution of the Council following General Abacha’s demise and General Abdulsalam Abubakar’s ascension led to the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Dr. Jatau’s impressive performance during his initial tenure earned him the trust and admiration of his constituents. He was encouraged to contest again under the PDP banner and successfully won the councillorship for a second time.

As Dr. Jatau’s political career continued to unfold, he shared another pivotal moment. “In 1999, I joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the State House of Assembly enacted a law establishing Local Government Legislative Councils. My fellow Councillors, representing the 11 Electoral Wards, demonstrated their trust in me by electing me as the Speaker of the Council’s Legislative arm.” Dr. Jatau served in this capacity from 1999 to 2002.

The creation of the proposed Agwada Local Government Area by Executive Governor Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu presented Dr. Jatau with a new opportunity. He became the first Chairman of Agwada Local Government Council, leveraging his leadership skills to drive development and progress.

Dr. Jatau’s achievements as Speaker and Chairman caught the attention of his constituents. In 2003, the people of Kokona West State Constituency urged him to run for the State House of Assembly. He accepted the challenge, contesting against the incumbent Member and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Barrister Bala Rabo Ayaga (late).

The primary election results were decisive. Out of 150 delegates from Kokona West, Dr. Jatau secured 110 votes, while the incumbent Member garnered only 10 votes. This resounding victory marked a significant milestone in Dr. Jatau’s political journey, propelling him toward higher office and greater opportunities to serve his constituents.

Dr. Jatau’s journey was not without its challenges. Just days before the secondary election, he received an unexpected call from the then-Governor, requesting that he withdraw from the election. Despite the lack of a clear explanation, Dr. Jatau was informed of a baseless allegation regarding double registration of a voter’s card.

Before Dr. Jatau could take legal action, his name was substituted with that of Bala Rabo Ayaga, effectively ending his bid for the election. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Dr. Jatau chose not to contest the decision and instead accepted a new role as Special Assistant to the then-Deputy Governor, Hon. Labaran Maku, a position he held from 2003 to 2007.

In 2007, Dr. Jatau’s constituents once again approached him to contest for the same office. He agreed, but fate had other plans. On the day of the primary election, the then-Deputy Governor asked Dr. Jatau to step down in favour of Ishaq Kana (late), citing a request from the Governor. Dr. Jatau’s humility and commitment to the greater good led him to acquiesce, despite his confidence in winning the primary election.

Dr. Jatau’s selflessness did not go unnoticed. When the then-Deputy Governor was appointed Minister, he appointed Dr. Jatau as his Special Assistant on Administration, a role he served from 2007 to 2010. This new chapter in Dr. Jatau’s career marked a continuation of his dedication to public service and his devotion to the people who had come to trust and respect him.

The constituents of Kokona West once again approached Dr. Jatau, demonstrating their trust and confidence in his leadership. Recognizing his integrity, compassion, and dedication to their welfare, they urged him to contest for office once more.

Dr. Jatau heeded the call, throwing his hat into the ring for the 2011 election. In a highly contested primary, he emerged victorious, outpacing four other aspirants to secure the ticket. This triumph marked his inaugural entry into the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where he served with distinction from 2011 to 2015.

As the 2015 elections approached, Dr. Jatau sought re-election, aiming to build on his accomplishments and continue serving his constituents. However, the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a coalition party introduced a new dynamic into the electoral landscape. Despite his strong record of accomplishment, Dr. Jatau faced stiff competition from an APC candidate and ultimately lost the election.

Following the 2015 election, Dr. Jatau took time to reflect on his experience and recharge. He continued to engage in his business ventures, focusing on the oil and gas sector. Though he stepped back from the political arena, Dr. Jatau remained committed to his community and the values that had guided his public service.

In 2019, Dr. Jatau once again contested for office and was re-elected by his constituents, defeating the APC candidate. This marked his return to the State House of Assembly for a second term. During his tenure, he served as the Minority Leader for two years, earning recognition for his leadership skills and commitment to his people.

A turning point came when critical stakeholders of the APC, including former Governor Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu and incumbent Governor Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, approached Dr. Jatau, urging him to join the ruling party. They cited his wealth of experience and political acumen as reasons for their interest in having him on board. Dr. Jatau requested time to consult with his constituents, and after a collective decision, he joined the APC, relinquishing his position as Minority Leader.

In 2023, Dr. Jatau’s constituents once again demonstrated their trust in him, asking him to contest for office under the APC banner. He was re-elected and returned to the State House of Assembly. Following a court ruling that affected his predecessor, Rt. Hon. Balarabe Abdullahi, Dr. Jatau was elevated to the position of Speaker of the seventh Assembly. He attributes this achievement to divine providence and expresses gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.

According to Rt Honourable Danladi Jatau, the constant calls by people for him to represent them stem from his commitment to their welfare and his willingness to make sacrifices for their benefit. His philosophy is simple: when occupying a political position, give back to the people, and they will forever be grateful.

Dr. Jatau believes that delivering a significant percentage of the dividends of democracy, even if it’s 65% or 70%, is crucial in building trust and loyalty with constituents. His own track record in his Constituency testifies to this approach. Since becoming a Member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, he has brought about tangible changes in infrastructure, welfare, and assistance to the people.

Dr. Jatau’s secret to success lies in his ability to empathize with his people and take their problems personally. He makes it a point to assist anyone who approaches him, regardless of the issue. This selfless attitude has earned him the admiration and loyalty of his constituents.

Dr. Jatau’s commitment to his people is evident in the various projects he has undertaken in his Constituency. He single-handedly brought electricity to several communities, including Maraba Kokona, Bokoko, and Sabon Gida Mallam Ungo, at a significant personal cost. He has also sunk numerous boreholes in remote villages, transforming the lives of the people. In one such village, the residents were so grateful that they treated him like a messiah, laying down their wrappers for him to walk on.

Dr. Jatau avowed that his enduring popularity is a direct result of his selfless service and sacrifice. He further asserted that by prioritizing the needs of his people and making personal sacrifices for their benefit, he has built a lasting legacy of trust and loyalty. His story serves as a powerful reminder to politicians and leaders everywhere: that true greatness is achieved not through personal aggrandizement, but through selfless service to others.

Dr. Jatau attributes his success and widespread appeal to his commitment to inclusive leadership. He firmly believes in treating everyone with equal respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or ethnicity. This philosophy is reflected in his approach to leadership, where he focuses on recognizing and rewarding individual merit, rather than allowing personal biases or prejudices to influence his decisions.

“I do not discriminate,” Dr. Jatau emphasizes. “Once you are good, you are good. It doesn’t matter whether you are from an Islamic or Christian background, or which ethnic group you belong to.” This inclusive mindset has earned him the admiration and trust of people from diverse backgrounds, who appreciate his ability to transcend boundaries and foster unity.

Dr. Jatau’s approach to leadership serves as a powerful reminder to politicians and leaders everywhere of the importance of inclusivity and non-discrimination. By embracing diversity and promoting equality, leaders can build stronger, more cohesive communities, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. As Dr. Jatau so eloquently puts it, “There should be no discrimination. This is what is expected of every politician or leader.”

It is worth noting that Dr. Jatau’s present service as Speaker of the seventh Nasarawa State House of Assembly is slated to conclude by May 2027, marking the end of his current tenure. This defined timeline provides a clear framework for his ongoing efforts to serve his constituents and advance the interests of Nasarawa State.

As Dr. Jatau reflected on his illustrious career, spanning multiple terms in the State House of Assembly, he was posed a question about his future plans. Specifically, he was asked if he would consider contesting for the State House of Assembly for a fourth time. His response was swift and decisive.

“I am done with that,” Dr. Jatau stated, his tone conveying a sense of completion and fulfilment. He expressed his deepest gratitude to the people for the trust and faith they have placed in him throughout his career. The people’s sustained confidence in his ability to serve has been a constant source of motivation and inspiration for Dr. Jatau.

As Dr. Jatau looks to the future, he is mindful of the people’s will. He is prepared to wait and see what the future holds, allowing the people to determine his next line of action. This approach is characteristic his leadership style, which has always prioritized the needs and aspirations of his constituents.

Dr. Jatau’s decision to step aside from contesting for the State House of Assembly for a fourth time marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life. As he waits on the people’s will, he does so with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that his legacy of service will continue to inspire and uplift future generations. The future holds many possibilities for Dr. Jatau, and as he embarks on this new journey, he remains committed to the values of service, integrity, and compassion that have defined his career.