By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
Former Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State and elder statesman, Chief Philip Dada (Ajiyan Karu), has declared that the Western Senatorial Zone should produce the state’s next governor in 2027, citing the principles of fairness, justice, equity, and inclusiveness as key to sustaining peace and development.
Dada, a retired Federal Director and pioneer member of the State Executive Council under the Works, Housing, and Transport portfolio, said that rotational leadership has helped maintain balance among Nasarawa’s three senatorial zones and should be upheld for stability.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Dada emphasized that while the Western Zone is due for the governorship, it must seek broad-based support.
“We cannot do it alone. We must lobby, negotiate, and persuade stakeholders across all zones to achieve our goal,” he stated.
He disclosed that a recent delegation from the zone, led by Senator Abdullahi Adamu, visited Governor Abdullahi Sule to seek his backing for the zoning arrangement.
Dada noted that Governor Sule himself is a product of zoning and has assured the zone of his support in line with his commitment to equity and justice.
On concerns that zoning could stifle merit, Dada argued that, if well managed, zoning enhances fairness and unity, providing a peaceful framework for succession.
“The Western Zone has more than capable hands to lead the state,” he asserted.
The APC chieftain urged aspirants from other zones to respect the rotation agreement and join in building consensus. He called on potential candidates from the Western Zone to present service-oriented platforms that appeal to all parts of the state.
Highlighting Governor Sule’s performance, Dada praised the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, health, education, security, and industrialization.
He said these developments, spread across the three zones, show that equitable governance is possible and should be sustained.
Dada further recommended that the zoning principle be formally adopted as a power rotation policy in Nasarawa State, with clear provisions enshrined in a policy document to reduce acrimony in future contests.
“Let fairness guide our politics. A Nasarawa that embraces unity and opportunity for every zone will be stronger and more prosperous,” he concluded.
