Editor's Desk. [Jalingo Times] October 16, 2026.
Despite backing rival governorship candidates ahead of 2027, Hon. Iliya Kefas Alhaji and Hon. Wilson Oguche, Deputy Director Youth Mobilisation and Support Groups of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha Campaign Council popularly known as Bwacha Boy, offer a refreshing reminder that political differences need not destroy friendship, mutual respect and human connection.
The atmosphere at the Conference Hall of the Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency (TSESA) in Jalingo was filled with excitement when two passionate political loyalists, Hon. Iliya Kefas Alhaji and Hon. Wilson Oguche, crossed paths in a moment that spoke louder than political slogans.
What began as an occasion to honour Alhaji with an Award of Excellence and Service to Humanity turned into a memorable demonstration of camaraderie across political divides, as the two men exchanged pleasantries in an atmosphere of warmth and genuine happiness.
In a political climate where party loyalty can sometimes breed suspicion, hostility and needless antagonism, their encounter offered a refreshing picture of what politics ought to represent: competition without hatred, disagreement without disrespect, and ambition without bitterness.
Two Loyalists, Two Camps, One Humanity
Hon. Iliya Kefas Alhaji, Chairman of TSESA, is a committed supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate and incumbent Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas.
On the other side stands Hon. Wilson Oguche, popularly known as Bwacha Boy, a staunch supporter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Distinguished Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, Esq.
Their political loyalties may point in different directions, but their encounter demonstrated that supporting opposing candidates does not necessarily translate into personal enmity.
As the duo met, their cheerful disposition attracted the attention of guests at the event, many of whom immediately brought out their mobile phones to capture the moment.
The photographs became more than a record of a social encounter; they captured a powerful message about the possibility of peaceful coexistence in Taraba's increasingly competitive political environment.
For those present, it was a moment worth celebrating: two men with strong political convictions, yet comfortable enough in each other's presence to share smiles and cordiality.
Beyond Party Colours and Campaign Banners
Politics is a contest of ideas, interests, programmes and personalities. It provides citizens with the opportunity to choose leaders they believe can best advance their aspirations.
But when political competition degenerates into personal hostility, communities suffer, friendships fracture, and the democratic process loses some of its nobility.
The meeting between Alhaji and Oguche provides a timely reminder that political differences should remain differences of choice, not become permanent divisions among individuals and communities.
One may believe strongly in Governor Agbu Kefas, while another may place confidence in Senator Emmanuel Bwacha. Both positions can coexist in a democratic society, provided they are expressed with mutual respect and a commitment to peace.
Indeed, the strength of democracy is not measured only by the intensity of political campaigns or the number of supporters gathered behind a candidate. It is also reflected in the ability of political opponents and their supporters to coexist peacefully, even when their ambitions and preferred leaders differ.
No Permanent Friends or Enemies in Politics?
The popular saying that there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, but only permanent interests, has often been used to explain the changing nature of political alliances.
Yet, the encounter between these two political loyalists offers an even more valuable lesson: political interests may change, alliances may shift, and candidates may compete fiercely, but human dignity and peaceful relationships should remain constant.
The lesson is particularly important as Taraba State approaches the 2027 general elections, when political parties and their supporters are expected to intensify mobilisation, consultations and campaigns.
The contest may be fierce. Supporters may disagree passionately over policies, records and leadership choices. But none of these should justify insults, intimidation, violence or the destruction of relationships that extend beyond party membership.
Political loyalty should inspire commitment to one's preferred candidate, not hatred for another person's choice.
A Message Taraba Politics Needs
The warm reception that greeted the meeting between Alhaji and Oguche suggests that many people appreciate moments that rise above political divisions.
Their encounter should encourage political actors, campaign organisations, party supporters and grassroots mobilisers to embrace a more civil approach to political engagement.
It is possible to campaign vigorously for Governor Agbu Kefas without vilifying Senator Emmanuel Bwacha. It is equally possible to support Bwacha's governorship ambition without treating supporters of Kefas as enemies.
Ultimately, elections come and go, political offices change hands, and campaigns eventually end. The people, however, remain neighbours, colleagues, friends and members of the same communities.
That is why the cordial meeting between the two men deserves attention beyond the award ceremony where it took place.
It was a simple encounter, but one with a profound message: politics should determine who we vote for, not whom we hate.
As Taraba moves towards another electoral cycle, the state needs more of this spirit—healthy competition, peaceful coexistence and respect across party lines.
Because, in the final analysis, the greatest victory in politics is not merely defeating an opponent at the polls. It is participating in a contest without losing one's humanity along the way.
Politics without bitterness is possible. And sometimes, all it takes to prove it is two political diehards meeting, smiling and reminding everyone that beyond the ballot, we are human first.
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