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Nasarawa State, nestled in the heart of Nigeria, ought to stand as a beacon of unity—a place where diverse ethnic and religious communities come together to build something greater than the sum of their parts. Sadly, some misguided voices are working to make it a reflection of a deeper national malaise: the toxic politics of indigenization.

Indigenization, wherever it exists, is a moral failure.

For generations, the people of Nasarawa have lived together in peace. But partisan politics has now introduced a divisive lens—one that asks “who is indigenous?” rather than “who is capable?” It no longer matters how long you’ve lived in the state, how much you’ve contributed, or whether your children were born and raised there. If your ancestry can’t be traced to a specific local government area, you’re reduced to a second-class citizen in your own country. This is unacceptable. It runs contrary to the spirit and letter of Nigeria’s Constitution.

Indigenization is discrimination cloaked in cultural fabric.

Let’s call it what it really is: a form of apartheid.

The push for indigenization of political offices in Nasarawa State is not just unfair—it’s shortsighted and self-defeating. It shuts the door on merit, silences capable voices, and sends a damaging message to children born in Lafia, raised in Keffi, and educated in Akwanga: you don’t really belong here. It also tells potential investors and innovators: if you’re not from here, don’t bother.

This toxic idea must be dismantled.

Let competence, contribution, and character be the criteria for leadership—not ethnic origin.

If Nasarawa truly seeks peace, progress, and unity, it must embrace all who call it home. Anything less is not just bad politics—it’s a betrayal of our shared future.

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