Nasarawa 2027: Zoning faces major test as Wadada, Ombugadu, others battle to succeed Sule

As Nasarawa State prepares for its 2027 gubernatorial election, the issue of zoning has emerged as a major factor in the contest. The debate centers on whether the governorship should rotate to Nasarawa West or remain open to candidates from all parts of the state. The situation is complex, with supporters arguing that Nasarawa West, which last produced a governor in 2007, should be given the opportunity to return power to its district.

Opponents, however, contend that there is no constitutional or legal requirement to follow this zoning arrangement.

The history of power sharing in Nasarawa since 1999 offers insight into this issue. Three senatorial districts have each taken turns at the governorship during this period. Abdullahi Adamu, from Nasarawa West, served as governor from 1999 to 2007. He was succeeded by Aliyu Akwe Doma, from Nasarawa South, who governed until 2011. Tanko Al-Makura, also from the southern region, defeated Doma in 2011 and held office until 2019. It was Sule's election in 2019 that brought Nasarawa North into the governorship.

Proponents of zoning argue that Nasarawa West deserves a chance to produce the next governor, as its representatives have been absent from the seat of power for over two decades. They point to the need for fairness, stability, and peaceful coexistence as reasons for rotation. Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former governor and APC National Chairman, has even spoken about an understanding among political stakeholders to rotate power among the districts.

Despite the push for zoning, there is resistance to this arrangement. Some political stakeholders believe that restricting the governorship to one district would deny other qualified candidates the opportunity to win the support of the people. This disagreement is not merely theoretical, as political interests from Nasarawa North have challenged the West zoning arrangement.

A consultative forum in Nasarawa North even advocated for Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area to produce the next governor, indicating that there is no unanimous support for this formula across the state.

As the 2027 election approaches, the outcome will depend on a complex interplay of factors, including candidate popularity, competence, party affiliation, performance, and grassroots appeal. While zoning may influence the decision of voters, ultimately the ballot will determine who becomes governor of Nasarawa State.