By SANI IBN SALIHU
The political landscape of Nasarawa State, like many other multi-ethnic and diverse societies, is a complex tapestry woven with formal constitutional provisions and informal, yet powerful, agreements. Among these unwritten pacts, the rotation of the governorship among the three senatorial districts stands out as a crucial element for ensuring political stability, equity and a sense of belonging for all parts of the state.
As the tenure of the incumbent governor, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, draws to a close in 2027, a compelling case must be made for honouring this time-tested agreement and allowing the Western Senatorial District to produce the next leader of our beloved state.
Rotational governance as a pillar of stability
The principle of rotational governance is not an invention of Nasarawa politics. It is a pragmatic tool of democratic consolidation in a pluralistic society. It serves to assuage fears of marginalisation and fosters a sense of unity by giving every major political bloc a fair chance to lead.
In Nasarawa State, this unwritten agreement has, over the years, been a balm for political tensions and a pillar of peaceful coexistence. It has ensured that the reins of power are not perpetually held by one district, thereby preventing the kind of political alienation and strife that can cripple a state’s development.
A review of the state’s political history underscores the importance of this understanding. The first civilian governor of the state, Senator Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, hailed from the Nasarawa West Senatorial District. He was succeeded by the late Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma from the Southern Senatorial District. The baton then passed to Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, also from the Southern District, and subsequently to the current governor, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, from the Nasarawa North Senatorial District.
This trajectory, though not always perfect or without contest, demonstrates a clear pattern of power-sharing among the three districts. It is this historical context that makes the case for the Western Senatorial District so compelling at this juncture.
The case for the Western Senatorial District
By logical progression, after the successful tenure of a governor from the North, the path to the Government House should lead to the West. This is not merely an argument for a turn-by-turn system. It is an appeal to fairness and the preservation of a political culture that has served our state well.
Allowing the Western District to produce the next governor would reinforce trust in this unwritten agreement, signalling to the people of the district that their contributions and aspirations are valued. It would prevent the perception of a broken promise and a return to a winner-takes-all mentality, which could destabilise the state’s political equilibrium.
Furthermore, a candidate from the Western Senatorial District would be well-positioned to unite the state. The district is a diverse hub, home to different ethnic groups and cultures. A leader emerging from this region, therefore, is more likely to have a broad, all-encompassing vision for the state’s development, rather than a sectional one. Such a governor would be better equipped to navigate the state’s complex social and political dynamics, ensuring that the benefits of governance are distributed equitably across all 13 local government areas.
While some may argue for a merit-based system that disregards zoning, this perspective often overlooks the foundational realities of our society. In a state where identity and a sense of belonging are paramount, zoning is not an antithesis to merit. Rather, it is a mechanism to expand the pool of qualified candidates by ensuring that every part of the state has a chance to present its best and brightest for consideration.
A candidate from the Western Senatorial District who fits the criteria of leadership, competence and vision can and should be the one to lead. But the opportunity must first be extended to the district in a spirit of fairness and mutual respect.
Role of elders, the path forward
That is why the efforts being spearheaded by elder statesman and first civilian Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, should be supported by all well-meaning people of the state. I wish to propose that in furtherance of this objective, other elders, including traditional and religious leaders, should join Senator Abdullahi Adamu to bring all aspirants from the zone together in a true face-to-face roundtable meeting. This would reduce the number of aspirants from the zone who seem to converge on the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.
Let us put our house in order through a SWOT analysis of the aspirants so that the zone will come out from a position of strength. In addition, the possibility of a “Plan B” should also be considered in other political parties that may have the capacity to match the strength of the governing APC.
In conclusion, the sustainability of our political stability and the continued progress of Nasarawa State depend on the honour and observance of the unwritten agreement to rotate the governorship. As we look towards 2027, the time is right for the Western Senatorial District to produce the next governor.
This is not an act of political convenience but a firm commitment to the principles of justice, equity and inclusive governance that have guided our state’s journey. By upholding this agreement, we are not just choosing a leader. We are reaffirming our collective faith in a united and prosperous Nasarawa State.