Zoning: Why Nasarawa Will Not Trade Equity, Unity for One Man’s Ambition

As the race for the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa State gathers momentum, a sharp divide has emerged within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the long-standing practice of zoning the governorship position among the state’s three senatorial zones.
Governor Abdullahi Sule has repeatedly insisted on upholding zoning in the spirit of equity, fairness, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence, while former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, has declared that “there will be no zoning” in the contest.
The governor has particularly pointed to the need to support Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone in 2027, describing it as the fair and equitable thing to do after previous rotations. He stressed that zoning is not about excluding competent individuals but about giving every part of the state an opportunity to produce leadership.
In contrast, ex-IGP Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, who hails from the Nasarawa South zone took a firm position against zoning. Addressing supporters and declaring his governorship ambition under the APC, Adamu stated categorically that there would be no zoning arrangement for the 2027 governorship seat. He maintained that the contest should be open to all qualified aspirants, regardless of senatorial zone, and expressed confidence in the party’s internal democratic process, including possible direct primaries.
As aspirants intensify consultations and lobbying ahead of party primaries, the question remains whether the APC will adhere to the zoning principle that Governor Sule champions or embrace an open field as advocated by the former police chief. For now, a growing chorus of voices across the state insists that Nasarawa must not sacrifice equity and unity on the altar of any one man’s ambition. They maintain that preserving the zoning tradition is not just about 2027, but about sustaining the peace and inclusive development that the state desperately needs.
Stakeholders have urged all parties to prioritize the collective interest of Nasarawa over personal agendas, warning that any attempt to jettison zoning without broad consensus could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s political stability.
The coming months will test whether the spirit of equity and fairness that has guided Nasarawa’s politics for decades will prevail, or if individual ambition will reshape the rules of engagement.