By Mamman Sani Victor, Akwanga
Over the years, citizens of Nasarawa State and I in particular have, in every election cycle, come across a phenomenal, conventional, formulaic, and often oversimplified or exaggerated conception that seeks acceptance of some critical stakeholders in the selection of the running mate for the governorship candidate of the ruling party.
The selection process is more often than not, influenced by a wide range of actors. Party leadership at the state level frequently seeks to ensure that the choice aligns with broader electoral strategies and internal power arrangements. Political godfathers and influential stakeholders often demand input because of their contributions to the governor’s emergence. Former governors, elder statesmen, legislators, local government leaders and party executives also exert considerable influence by lobbying for candidates from their constituencies or political blocs. In most cases, traditional rulers, community and religious leaders and even statewide political calculations shape the final decision.
There’s no gainsaying that the process of selecting the running mate of the gubernatorial candidate is usually undertaken under party leadership via elite political bargaining, informal negotiations and consensus building, taking into consideration vital aspects such as geopolitical balancing, religious and ethnic proclivity among other vital factors. Beyond these factors, the electoral value of potential running mates — including popularity, grassroots support networks, political structures and capacity to mobilise votes — is evaluated.
Equally, competence, administrative experience, leadership qualities, loyalty, trustworthiness and even financial and organisational capacity are likely part of important determinants in who eventually emerges as the preferred Deputy Gubernatorial candidate.
However, the question of geopolitical balancing for the 2027 Deputy Governorship slot is no longer open-ended. After extensive consultations, the slot has been conclusively ceded to Nasarawa North Senatorial District, and micro-zoned specifically to Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area. This is the prevailing consensus among critical stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Nasarawa State. The conversation has therefore moved from “which zone?” to “which qualified son of Nassarawa Eggon?”
While it is pertinent to state that the central issue should be whether the candidate’s selection serves electoral objectives or governance objectives, democratic consolidation requires both. A running mate should not only help win elections but also possess the competence, experience and legitimacy required to govern if circumstances demand.
• THE NASSARAWA EGGON EQUATION
With the slot domiciled in Nassarawa Eggon, the field has narrowed considerably. Two names were initially prominent from the shortlist:
1. Hon. Emmanuel Ombugadu Micheal – An experienced accountant who rose to the rank of Director of Finance and Accounts in the state civil service before resigning to join politics. He is currently the *APC flag bearer for Nasarawa Eggon West State Constituency* in the forthcoming general election. By virtue of this existing ticket and INEC guidelines on dual candidacy, Hon. Ombugadu is effectively out of the Deputy Governor race. Party discipline demands he concentrates on delivering his constituency for the APC.
2. Retired Deputy Corps Marshal Meshach Adigizi Jatau – A former Lecturer at the School of Preliminary Studies, Keffi and College of Education, Akwanga. He served as Personal Assistant to the late Senator Solomon Ewuga during his tenure as Hon. Minister of State, FCT. In the Federal Road Safety Corps, he was Principal Staff Officer to the Corps Marshal before his retirement as Deputy Corps Marshal, with 35 years of national service.
His Eggon identity provides the zonal balance. His “Jatau” name speaks to service. His blend of academia, ministerial experience, and national administrative background directly complements Sen. Ahmed Wadada Aliyu’s legislative and grassroots stature. He is not seeking two offices. He is available, qualified, and unencumbered.
*On other previously mentioned names: While Hon. Dr. Joseph Haruna Kigbu, Hon. Chief Sonny Agassi, and Princess Dr. Margaret Elayo are accomplished in their own rights, the party’s firm micro-zoning to Nassarawa Eggon places them outside the current parameters. Their competence is not questioned, but party structure and zoning fidelity must guide the process.
Instead of the intensive clamour and manoeuvrability exhibited by individuals and several support groups chanting all sorts of slogans for their preferred candidates on social media, stakeholders must respect the zoning resolution already reached. Such clamour ultimately highlights the delicate tightrope the state political actors must walk to achieve electoral victory while maintaining the balance of power with the emergence of Senator Wadada as the governorship candidate.
As the state APC races against time to perfect the choice of Wadada’s running mate, with the July 11 deadline for submission of candidates’ particulars to INEC already at hand, the decision must reflect both political reality and governance needs.
Thus, if the APC must match its zoning pronouncement with action, and if competence must follow zoning, then the path is clear: Retired DCM Meshach Adigizi Jatau stands as the sole Eggon candidate with the national stature, clean service record, and non-conflicting political status to deputise Sen. Wadada in 2027. His background in education, federal administration, and national service addresses structure, policy, and accountability. His Eggon roots deliver the balance. His record offers the APC a credible governance argument.
The party must now employ all necessary mechanisms to ratify this arrangement, reward strategic allies, expand electoral reach and reassure the Nasarawa North demographic that its turn has been honoured with competence.
Culled from Nasarawa Mirror
Over the years, citizens of Nasarawa State and I in particular have, in every election cycle, come across a phenomenal, conventional, formulaic, and often oversimplified or exaggerated conception that seeks acceptance of some critical stakeholders in the selection of the running mate for the governorship candidate of the ruling party.
The selection process is more often than not, influenced by a wide range of actors. Party leadership at the state level frequently seeks to ensure that the choice aligns with broader electoral strategies and internal power arrangements. Political godfathers and influential stakeholders often demand input because of their contributions to the governor’s emergence. Former governors, elder statesmen, legislators, local government leaders and party executives also exert considerable influence by lobbying for candidates from their constituencies or political blocs. In most cases, traditional rulers, community and religious leaders and even statewide political calculations shape the final decision.
There’s no gainsaying that the process of selecting the running mate of the gubernatorial candidate is usually undertaken under party leadership via elite political bargaining, informal negotiations and consensus building, taking into consideration vital aspects such as geopolitical balancing, religious and ethnic proclivity among other vital factors. Beyond these factors, the electoral value of potential running mates — including popularity, grassroots support networks, political structures and capacity to mobilise votes — is evaluated.
Equally, competence, administrative experience, leadership qualities, loyalty, trustworthiness and even financial and organisational capacity are likely part of important determinants in who eventually emerges as the preferred Deputy Gubernatorial candidate.
However, the question of geopolitical balancing for the 2027 Deputy Governorship slot is no longer open-ended. After extensive consultations, the slot has been conclusively ceded to Nasarawa North Senatorial District, and micro-zoned specifically to Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area. This is the prevailing consensus among critical stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Nasarawa State. The conversation has therefore moved from “which zone?” to “which qualified son of Nassarawa Eggon?”
While it is pertinent to state that the central issue should be whether the candidate’s selection serves electoral objectives or governance objectives, democratic consolidation requires both. A running mate should not only help win elections but also possess the competence, experience and legitimacy required to govern if circumstances demand.
• THE NASSARAWA EGGON EQUATION
With the slot domiciled in Nassarawa Eggon, the field has narrowed considerably. Two names were initially prominent from the shortlist:
1. Hon. Emmanuel Ombugadu Micheal – An experienced accountant who rose to the rank of Director of Finance and Accounts in the state civil service before resigning to join politics. He is currently the *APC flag bearer for Nasarawa Eggon West State Constituency* in the forthcoming general election. By virtue of this existing ticket and INEC guidelines on dual candidacy, Hon. Ombugadu is effectively out of the Deputy Governor race. Party discipline demands he concentrates on delivering his constituency for the APC.
2. Retired Deputy Corps Marshal Meshach Adigizi Jatau – A former Lecturer at the School of Preliminary Studies, Keffi and College of Education, Akwanga. He served as Personal Assistant to the late Senator Solomon Ewuga during his tenure as Hon. Minister of State, FCT. In the Federal Road Safety Corps, he was Principal Staff Officer to the Corps Marshal before his retirement as Deputy Corps Marshal, with 35 years of national service.
His Eggon identity provides the zonal balance. His “Jatau” name speaks to service. His blend of academia, ministerial experience, and national administrative background directly complements Sen. Ahmed Wadada Aliyu’s legislative and grassroots stature. He is not seeking two offices. He is available, qualified, and unencumbered.
*On other previously mentioned names: While Hon. Dr. Joseph Haruna Kigbu, Hon. Chief Sonny Agassi, and Princess Dr. Margaret Elayo are accomplished in their own rights, the party’s firm micro-zoning to Nassarawa Eggon places them outside the current parameters. Their competence is not questioned, but party structure and zoning fidelity must guide the process.
Instead of the intensive clamour and manoeuvrability exhibited by individuals and several support groups chanting all sorts of slogans for their preferred candidates on social media, stakeholders must respect the zoning resolution already reached. Such clamour ultimately highlights the delicate tightrope the state political actors must walk to achieve electoral victory while maintaining the balance of power with the emergence of Senator Wadada as the governorship candidate.
As the state APC races against time to perfect the choice of Wadada’s running mate, with the July 11 deadline for submission of candidates’ particulars to INEC already at hand, the decision must reflect both political reality and governance needs.
Thus, if the APC must match its zoning pronouncement with action, and if competence must follow zoning, then the path is clear: Retired DCM Meshach Adigizi Jatau stands as the sole Eggon candidate with the national stature, clean service record, and non-conflicting political status to deputise Sen. Wadada in 2027. His background in education, federal administration, and national service addresses structure, policy, and accountability. His Eggon roots deliver the balance. His record offers the APC a credible governance argument.
The party must now employ all necessary mechanisms to ratify this arrangement, reward strategic allies, expand electoral reach and reassure the Nasarawa North demographic that its turn has been honoured with competence.
Culled from Nasarawa Mirror