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BY RAYYANU BALA

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, to his credit, has consistently expressed his support for a power shift to Nasarawa West after the completion of his tenure. He has made it clear on several occasions that he would back an aspirant from the western zone. This stance is a commendable step in the right direction. Any well-meaning citizen who values the unity and progress of Nasarawa State should stand behind Governor Sule on this issue.

As the 2027 gubernatorial elections draw closer, discussions surrounding power rotation have become increasingly prominent in the political discourse of the state. While some individuals may not be in favour of this arrangement, the dominant sentiment across political class is the demand for the governorship to shift to Nasarawa West— a zone that, by the principle of rotation, is due for another turn at the helm.

Since the return of democratic governance, Nasarawa State has informally adhered to a zoning arrangement aimed at promoting equitable distribution of political power among its three senatorial districts: Nasarawa West (Keffi), Nasarawa South (Lafia), and Nasarawa North (Akwanga). The first civilian governor of the state, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, hailed from Nasarawa West under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The governorship later shifted to Nasarawa South with the late Aliyu Akwe Doma
spent four years and Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura completed his term of eight years. And now Engr. Abdullahi sule is about to complete his eight years from Nasarawa North. Therefore, following the principle of rotation, it is now the rightful turn of Nasarawa West.

In the interest of equity, inclusion, and justice, Nasarawa West must be given the opportunity to produce the next governor.

Advocates of the power shift argue that continuing the current zoning arrangement is essential for maintaining fairness and inclusivity. Upholding rotational leadership ensures that all zones of the state have a chance to contribute to governance, fostering political stability and strengthening democracy.

The call for the governorship to shift to Nasarawa West in 2027 is rooted in these values. A governor from the zone would bring a fresh perspective to leadership and promote balanced development across the state. As the 2027 elections draw closer, political leaders and stakeholders must prioritize equity and fairness in their decisions — for a more united, inclusive, and prosperous Nasarawa State.

Anyone who opposes this rotational arrangement is not only an adversary of Engr. Abdullahi Sule, intent on disrupting the smooth transition of power, but also an enemy of the good people of Nasarawa State. Such individuals must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.