By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
As the 2027 general elections edge closer, the political temperature in Nasarawa State is gradually rising. While two years may seem like a distant milestone, recent history suggests that the real contest begins much earlier especially with party primaries expected in just about 12 months.
If the 2023 primary calendar is anything to go by with the governorship primaries and the presidential primary the clock is already ticking for serious contenders.
Across Nasarawa’s political terrain, no fewer than 20 aspirants—cutting across the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other emerging parties have either openly declared or are quietly testing the waters for a shot at the state’s top job. And the list continues to grow.
However, amid the flurry of consultations, endorsements, and strategic alliances, one reality remains: the absence of a clearly defined zoning or power-sharing arrangement.
This vacuum has opened up the field, igniting subtle competition among the three senatorial zones, Nasarawa North, South, and West as each angles for a fair share of political power.
Yet, even more compelling is the emerging voice of the youth. Unlike in the past, where young people were relegated to the margins of political participation, today’s youth are asserting themselves in new and powerful ways.
They are not just mobilizing as support groups or foot soldiers they are declaring ambitions, seeking nominations, and building grassroots structures. For them, the slogan has evolved from “a seat at the table” to “we are bringing the table.”
This generational shift presents both an opportunity and a challenge for traditional political actors. The opportunity lies in harnessing the energy, innovation, and numerical strength of young people.
The challenge, however, is in addressing longstanding issues of marginalization, economic disempowerment, and tokenism that have left many youths disillusioned with conventional politics.
For the ruling APC in particular, the stakes are high. The party must manage internal expectations, balance competing interests, and ensure cohesion if it hopes to retain its hold on the governorship.
A fragmented party heading into the primaries could give the opposition a lifeline especially in a state like Nasarawa, where electoral margins have historically been narrow.
As 2027 approaches, one thing is certain: Nasarawa is on the brink of a major political realignment.
Whether that realignment will produce fresh leadership, reinforce existing power blocs, or usher in a youth-led movement remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the journey has already begun.
