As the 2027 governorship race in Nasarawa State gradually takes shape, high-level political maneuvering has already begun. One of the most prominent voices to recently weigh in is Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the first democratically elected governor of Nasarawa State and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a bold declaration, Senator Adamu reaffirmed the resolve of the Nasarawa West Senatorial District to reclaim the governorship position, describing it as their “birthright.” His comments have reignited the ongoing debate over zoning and power rotation in the state.
However, beneath the rhetoric lies a much more complex and fluid political reality. The three senatorial zones—West, North, and South—are all positioning themselves for a claim to the governorship.
Yet, the prospects of any zone unilaterally producing a consensus candidate appear increasingly slim, setting the stage for an intense intra-party contest.
Stakeholder Consultations and Their Limits
It is expected that each of the three zones will convene stakeholders’ meetings to articulate and push forward their aspirations—just as the Western Zone did recently. These gatherings aim to foster regional unity and possibly build momentum behind a preferred aspirant.
But as history and political dynamics have shown, such meetings rarely produce a singular, united front. Personal ambitions, ethnic sub-identities, local rivalries, and entrenched political camps will likely undermine any effort at zonal consensus.
What may emerge instead is a scenario where multiple aspirants from each zone declare interest, thereby fracturing their respective zones and neutralizing any bloc advantage they might have wielded at the negotiation table.
The Zoning Conundrum: No Untouched Zone
A deeper look into the state's political history reveals that all three senatorial districts have produced governors, though with varying durations:
Nasarawa West: Senator Abdullahi Adamu (1999–2007) – 8 years
Nasarawa South: Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma (2007–2011) and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (2011–2019) – a total of 12 years
Nasarawa North: Engr. Abdullahi Sule (2019–2027, if he completes his second term) – 8 years
This distribution creates a deadlock in zoning logic:
Nasarawa West can argue that it’s due for a return, having served only one term.
Nasarawa South, with a combined 12 years, faces credibility challenges in claiming marginalization.
Nasarawa North, holding the current mandate, may argue for consolidation or continuity based on performance.
Given that no zone is a “virgin territory” anymore, attempts to restart the zoning cycle could prove divisive, subjective, and open to multiple interpretations.
Open Field: The Most Pragmatic Option
In light of these complexities, the most democratic and practical solution may be to open the field and allow a zone-free contest within the APC. All qualified aspirants, regardless of senatorial district, should be allowed to purchase the nomination forms and test their political strength in the primaries.
This approach would:
Gauge the true popularity and cross-zonal appeal of each aspirant.
Encourage issue-based campaigns rather than narrow ethnic or zonal sentiments.
Minimize the risk of post-primary defections and discontent.
Reinforce the APC’s commitment to internal democracy.
Indeed, based on the current political temperature and multiplicity of interests, a consensus candidate is highly unlikely to emerge in the APC. Any attempt to impose one could fracture the party's base and undermine its unity ahead of the general elections.
Conclusion
As Nasarawa State approaches a critical political transition in 2027, zoning may remain a strong sentimental factor, but it is unlikely to serve as a unifying formula. Each zone has had its turn, and internal fractures within zones will make consensus nearly impossible.
The APC leadership, both at the state and national level, would do well to embrace an open, transparent, and competitive primary election, allowing the strongest and most widely acceptable candidate to emerge.
This not only aligns with democratic principles but also increases the party’s chances of retaining power in what promises to be a fiercely contested governorship race.
