From Awwal Musa, Keffi

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, Nasarawa State is witnessing a disturbing trend, the weaponization of ethnicity and religion to discredit political opponents.

Some desperate politicians and their supporters are resorting to labeling aspirants as “non-indigenes” in an attempt to undermine their credibility.

This divisive tactic is not only unconstitutional but also a threat to the unity and progress of the state.

Of recent, some misinformed charlatans have resorted to fueling tribal politics which if left unchecked, portends grave danger for the polity as the country inches towards the 2027 general elections.

Recent reports indicate that certain overzealous individuals have targeted Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, a former House of Representatives member and current Senator representing Nasarawa West, branding him as a “non-indigene.”

This baseless claim is a calculated attempt by political rivals to weaken his influence ahead of the governorship race.

Such tactics are not new in Nigerian politics. Similar strategies were employed in Kogi, Rivers, and Lagos States, where opponents used indigeneity as a weapon to disqualify or discredit candidates.

However, Nigeria’s constitution and electoral laws are clear: once a citizen meets the residency and eligibility requirements, no state or community can deny them the right to contest.

Infact, Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or place of origin. Additionally, the Electoral Act does not recognize “indigeneity” as a criterion for contesting elections. The only requirements are citizenship, age, educational qualifications, and party nomination.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has repeatedly stated that no candidate can be disqualified based on tribal or religious affiliations. Therefore, any attempt to label a qualified aspirant as a “non-indigene” is not only unconstitutional but also an affront to Nigeria’s democracy.

Nasarawa State is a diverse and dynamic region with a history of ethnic and religious harmony. However, when politicians exploit these differences for electoral gain, they risk inflaming tensions that could lead to violence.

The 2023 elections in some parts of Nigeria saw clashes fueled by similar rhetoric, and Nasarawa cannot afford such instability.

Rather than focusing on competence, vision, and track record, some politicians are stoking division to distract the electorate. This is a disservice to the people of Nasarawa, who deserve leaders committed to development, not petty identity politics.

Political aspirants and their supporters must rise above primordial sentiments and focus on issue-based campaigns.

The youth, who are often used as tools for spreading divisive propaganda, should resist being manipulated and instead demand accountability from their leaders.

The media and civil society organizations must also play a role in fact-checking and countering false narratives. Platforms spreading hate speech and misinformation should be held accountable under Nigeria’s laws.

Nasarawa State’s future depends on unity, not division. The politics of exclusion and ethno-religious bigotry must be rejected. As the 2027 elections approach, let the focus be on policies, governance, and leadership qualities, not on where a candidate was born or what faith they practice.

Nigeria’s democracy is stronger when it is inclusive. Nasarawa must not allow desperate politicians to drag it backward.

Let us therefore choose progress over division.

Musa, a public affairs analyst, writes from Low Cost, Keffi.