The 2027 governorship race in Nasarawa State is shaping up to be a major test of the political zoning arrangement that has influenced the state’s power-sharing debate for years.
With Governor Abdullahi Sule’s tenure drawing towards its end, political actors across the state are increasingly divided over whether the governorship should be zoned to a particular senatorial district or opened to aspirants from across Nasarawa.
At the centre of the debate is Nasarawa West, which supporters of zoning argue should produce the next governor. The district last produced a governor when Abdullahi Adamu completed his second term in 2007.
Advocates of the arrangement maintain that the 2027 election offers an opportunity for power to return to Nasarawa West in line with what they regard as the state’s established political understanding.
However, those opposed to zoning argue that there is no constitutional or legal provision requiring the governorship to rotate among the three senatorial districts.
As potential contenders, including Wadada, Ombugadu and other political figures, position themselves for the race, the zoning debate is expected to remain a major issue in the build-up to the election.
Ultimately, the voters will have the final say on whether zoning continues to influence political succession in Nasarawa or gives way to factors such as competence, popularity, party platform, performance, grassroots support and the individual appeal of candidates.
