By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
Over the years, zoning has been a critical mechanism in ensuring political balance and inclusivity in Nasarawa State. Each of the three senatorial districts has had its turn at governing the state, fulfilling the principles of fairness and representation. As 2027 approaches, the governorship seat is now open to all, setting the stage for a highly competitive contest based on competence, vision, and leadership capacity rather than regional sentiments.
A Brief History of Zoning in Nasarawa State
Since the return of democracy in 1999, the governorship of Nasarawa State has rotated across the three senatorial districts:
1. Nasarawa West Senatorial District (1999 - 2007)
Senator Abdullahi Adamu became the first Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, serving two terms from 1999 to 2007 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His administration laid the foundation for governance in the young state, focusing on infrastructure, agriculture, and political stability.
2. Nasarawa South Senatorial District (2007 - 2019)
Late Aliyu Akwe Doma from Nasarawa South took over in 2007 under the PDP but served only one term before being defeated in 2011.
His successor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, also from Nasarawa South, emerged as governor in 2011 under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and later joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Al-Makura's tenure (2011 - 2019) was known for his infrastructural revolution, particularly in roads, urban renewal, and education.
3. Nasarawa North Senatorial District (2019 - 2027)
In 2019, the zoning principle shifted power to Nasarawa North, producing Governor Abdullahi Sule under the APC.
Governor Sule’s administration has focused on industrialization, investment promotion, and economic diversification.
With his second term set to end in 2027, Nasarawa North will have completed its cycle in the power rotation formula.
What Next? The 2027 Political Landscape
With all three senatorial districts having produced a governor, the Nasarawa State governorship is now up for open competition. No district can claim exclusive rights to the seat, meaning that political parties and stakeholders must look beyond zoning and focus on leadership quality, competence, and experience.
As the 2027 election approaches, several key factors will shape the race:
1. Equity and Fairness in the Democratic Process
While zoning has helped balance power among the senatorial districts, it should not be an obstacle to merit-based leadership.
Nasarawa State needs a leader who will unite all groups, address economic challenges, and drive sustainable development.
2. The Role of Political Parties
Political parties, especially the APC and PDP, must ensure that the selection process is transparent, fair, and based on leadership capacity rather than regional biases.
The era of imposing candidates based on zoning alone is over; parties must choose electable and competent aspirants who can deliver good governance.
3. The Strength of Individual Aspirants
Since the race is now open, aspirants from different federal constituencies will likely emerge.
Political gladiators must prepare to win support based on performance records, credibility, and vision for the state rather than relying on sectional politics.
4. Public Expectations for Good Governance
The people of Nasarawa State will be looking beyond ethnicity or regionalism and will demand a leader who prioritizes economic growth, security, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Candidates must present practical solutions to the challenges facing the state rather than playing the usual political games of endorsements and power-sharing deals.
Conclusion: Nasarawa Must Choose Wisely
With the zoning cycle completed, 2027 presents a golden opportunity for Nasarawa State to elect a governor purely on merit. This is a defining moment where competence, leadership experience, and vision must take center stage in deciding who will lead the state forward.
The next governor must be someone who will bridge ethnic and regional divides, strengthen the economy, attract investments, and improve the standard of living for all citizens. Political parties, stakeholders, and voters must ensure that the best candidate emerges—not based on sentiment, but on capacity, experience, and the ability to deliver.
The governorship of Nasarawa State is now in the open market, and the best candidate must win.
