Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has reaffirmed his commitment to the zoning arrangement ahead of the 2027 governorship transition, insisting that the rotation of power among the state’s three senatorial zones remains the surest path to fairness, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
The governor made this position known on Friday at the Government House, Lafia, while hosting stakeholders from the Toto Local Government Area.
Governor Sule explained that although every qualified indigene of the state has the constitutional right to aspire to govern, his personal support for zoning is driven by the need to give all zones a sense of belonging.
“I am totally misunderstood by some stakeholders because I said I am a product of zoning and I want to support zoning to continue. I am not denying anybody the opportunity to contest.
Every son and daughter of Nasarawa State has the right to aspire, but personally, I believe in supporting a zone that should rightly produce the next governor,” he said.
He recalled that his emergence as governor in 2019 was largely due to the resolve and commitment of his predecessor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, who ensured that power rotated to Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone, despite the zone having only three local government areas.
According to him, that singular act of political fairness is why he continues to accord Senator Al-Makura respect, regardless of divisive narratives on social media.
“Rotation gives people peace and hope. Without zoning, a zone like Nasarawa North could easily be sidelined. Senator Al-Makura stood firm and supported us.
That is why I will always respect him,” Governor Sule stated.
The governor said his insistence on zoning is borne out of the same spirit, expressing hope that future leaders would one day acknowledge that they benefitted from his belief in equity and fairness.
He further urged political actors to exercise patience, noting that there are several other elective positions to contest and ample time to pursue political ambitions.
Governor Sule also used the occasion to commend the growing peace and unity in Toto Local Government Area, describing the gathering of diverse ethnic groups as a positive signal of reconciliation and progress.
“Toto is becoming a united local government. You are rich in agriculture, mining and human capital. Seeing all ethnic groups here today is a thing of joy,” he said.
While acknowledging commendations for restoring peace, the governor credited traditional rulers, community leaders and prominent sons and daughters of Toto for working collectively to end years of communal unrest.
In his remarks, the Ohimegye Opanda, HRH Usman Abdullahi, said the delegation was at the Government House to express solidarity and appreciation for the governor’s efforts in restoring peace and unity in Toto LGA.
Similarly, the Chairman of Toto Local Government Area, Pharmacist Baba Ahmed Yahaya, praised Governor Sule for his sustained commitment to peace in an area once plagued by prolonged communal crises.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, SAN, said the visit was a demonstration of gratitude by Toto stakeholders for the governor’s inclusive leadership and commitment to unity across Nasarawa State.
