Nasarawa 2027: Abdullahi Adamu under fire as stakeholders reject former governor’s zoning position

From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja

Former Governor of Nasarawa State Abdullahi Adamu is facing sharp criticism following his recent call for Nasarawa’s governorship seat to be zoned to the Western Zone in 2027, a comment many stakeholders say is “divisive,” “self-serving,” and “out of touch” with the realities of modern democratic politics.

Speaking during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Zonal Stakeholders’ Meeting in Keffi, the former chairman of the ruling party argued that it was the Western Zone’s “turn” to produce the next governor, citing previous power shifts between Keffi, Lafia, and Akwanga since 1999.

The former Nasarawa West Senator explained that Nasarawa Western (Keffi) zone had governed the state for eight years, Nasarawa Southern (Lafia) zone had 12 years, and Nasarawa Northern (Akwanga) zone, with the incumbent Governor Abdullahi Sule, would be completing eight years in 2027.

Adamu maintained that in the spirit of fairness, “it is time for Keffi Zone to produce the next governor of the state in 2027.”

But his remarks have ignited widespread backlash, especially among youth groups and political commentators who insist that competence, capacity, and a candidate’s statewide appeal must trump any informal rotation arrangement.

It’s non-constitutional: Youth groups fire back

In a strong statement, Hasan Ogiri Doma, State Coordinator of the Youth Wing Movement for MAAL, described Senator Adamu’s remark as “a calculated shortcut for individuals who lack the structure or political will to earn the trust of the entire state.”

“There is no constitutional provision nor any binding political agreement that mandates zoning in Nasarawa State.

“Leadership should be earned based on merit, capacity, and a track record of service, not on sentimental appeals to geography. The people of Nasarawa have consistently demonstrated maturity in choosing leaders based on consensus and performance, not coercion,” Doma said.

Doma warned that the people of Nasarawa will not be distracted by “primitive politics,” adding: “In 2027, we must rise above divisive rhetoric. Nasarawa deserves a unifier, not a zonal champion.”

In an open letter on Monday, April 7, Asadullah Aliyu Dauda, a youth leader, called on Senator Adamu to demonstrate “wisdom, humility, and gratitude,” rather than dictate the state’s political direction.

“An elder statesman like you should guide and serve with integrity, not manipulate the system for personal advantage,” Dauda wrote.

He questioned why Senator Adamu failed to respect zoning principles in the past, citing the 2022 APC presidential primary where Adamu attempted to impose Senator Ahmed Lawan over the eventual winner, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Another critic, Ahmed Abdullahi Ahmad, author of the biography of former IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, said Adamu’s recent comment exposes a long history of “political betrayal.”

“Where was this zoning conscience when he tried to force his own candidates in the 2019 Nasarawa APC governorship primary?” Ahmad asked.

“He opposed Engr. Abdullahi Sule’s emergence back then, instead backing his own protégé, Arc. Shehu Tukur. Now he wants to dictate who should emerge in 2027.

“The days of recycling political manoeuvrings are gone. Nasarawa’s destiny must never again be manipulated by the whims of one man,” Ahmad declared.

Contrary voices from within the West

Interestingly, not everyone from Nasarawa West agrees with Adamu’s zoning gospel.

Arc. Dauda Eigege Musa, Nasarawa LG Coordinator of the youth wing, argued that the people of Nasarawa West themselves are tired of being restricted by informal rotation formulas.

“The Western Zone has produced governors, senators, and holds key state and federal positions today, including the Secretary to the State Government, the Minister of Women Affairs, the Speaker of the State Assembly, and more.

“Our people want competent, visionary leaders, not leaders imposed by political entitlement,” Musa said.

He pointed to retired IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu as an example of the type of leader who cuts across zones. “IGP Adamu has the credibility to consolidate Engr. Sule’s security and economic reforms. Zoning should never silence popular will.”

Support for “meritocracy” grows

Several voices have since risen to insist that Nasarawa must move beyond “primitive politics.” Rakiya Omanet, another youth advocate, said:

“Zoning promotes entitlement, not merit. Nasarawa belongs to all. Let the people choose their next governor based on vision, not geography.”

Arc. Dauda Eigege Musa, Nasarawa LG Coordinator, added that IGP Adamu (Rtd), widely seen as a consensus candidate, represents the kind of leadership that transcends zoning.

“He has the credibility and competence to consolidate Engr. Abdullahi Sule’s gains in security and economic reforms,” he said.

Governor Sule reveals how his successor will emerge

Meanwhile, the State’s Governor Abdullahi Sule has pledged to ensure a fair process, while promising to announce his preferred successor in due course. He urged aspirants not to heat up the polity with divisive rhetoric.

“True power comes from God, but A.A. Sule also has the right to support someone.

“When the time comes, I’ll publicly endorse who I believe should succeed me,” the governor said at the same meeting where Senator Adamu made his zoning remarks.

As the dust settles, it is clear that the battle for Nasarawa’s top seat will not be decided by geography alone. The chorus from across youth groups, community leaders, and civil society is resounding: “Leadership must be earned, not zoned.”

For Senator Abdullahi Adamu, once a towering figure in the state’s political landscape, the backlash is a reminder that the era of imposition may be drawing to an end.