By Sam Israel Jp
From the inception of Nasarawa State, the founding political leaders and elders, guided by wisdom, foresight and truthfulness adopted an unwritten understanding to rotate the governorship among the three senatorial zones of the state. Most states in Nigeria do same without rancor. This arrangement was not merely political convenience; it was a deliberate strategy to promote fairness, equity, inclusion, unity, and lasting peace among the diverse peoples of the state.
This rotational agreement laid the foundation for political stability in Nasarawa State. It ensured that no zone felt marginalized and that every section of the state had a sense of belonging in the collective project of governance. History has shown that where equity thrives, peace naturally follows.
In line with this understanding, the Western Senatorial Zone produced the first civilian governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu. He served two full tenures, amounting to eight years. This marked the beginning of the rotational journey and set a standard for adherence to collective agreements.
Thereafter, the governorship moved to the Southern Senatorial Zone, which produced late Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, who served a single tenure of four years. Subsequently, the same Southern Zone again produced Governor Tanko Al-Makura, who served two tenures of eight years. This brought the total years of Southern Zone leadership to twelve years.
The baton then moved to the Northern Senatorial Zone, which produced Engineer Abdullahi Sule, currently serving his second tenure. By 2027, the Northern Zone would have completed eight uninterrupted years in office, in full alignment with the original rotational principle.
By simple arithmetic and logical reasoning, the Western and Northern Zones would have served eight years each, while the Southern Zone would have served twelve years. This imbalance clearly establishes that the Western Senatorial Zone is the next rightful beneficiary of the rotational arrangement.
Rotation does not require complex academic interpretation or political manipulation. It is based on fairness, balance, and justice. Any honest observer, regardless of educational background, can clearly see that equity demands the governorship return to the Western Senatorial Zone in 2027.
Allowing this laid-down arrangement to continue will strengthen peace, deepen trust, and promote harmonious coexistence among the people of Nasarawa State. Conversely, abandoning this principle at this critical stage will reopen old wounds, breed resentment, and undermine the fragile peace painstakingly built over the years.
If the rotation is altered to favor the Southern Zone again in 2027, the Western Zone would effectively be denied the opportunity to govern for up to twenty-eight years. This would amount to grave injustice, as the Southern Zone would have waited only eight years since its last tenure, while the Western Zone would have endured decades of exclusion.
It must be emphasized that there are no junior partners among the three senatorial zones of Nasarawa State. Every zone is equal in status, dignity, and contribution to the state’s development. Any attempt to undermine this equality threatens the collective unity of the state.
True lovers of Nasarawa State must rise now to speak for justice, fairness, and equity. Silence in the face of clear imbalance is not neutrality; it is complicity. History will not be kind to those who chose convenience over conscience.
As the Holy Books rightly remind us, there is a time for everything under the sun—a time to lead and a time to allow others to lead. This is the appointed time for the Western Senatorial Zone to produce the next governor of Nasarawa State.
However, equity must be matched with responsibility. The Western Zone must present a candidate who is qualified, credible, widely acceptable, and genuinely loved by the people. Leadership is not just about turn-taking; it is about competence and capacity.
That individual is Distinguished Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada. He stands out as a unifying figure whose pedigree, experience, and grassroots reach are unmatched. His political journey reflects consistency, integrity, and deep connection with the people across the state.
As a ranking senator, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada possesses vast legislative experience and a clear understanding of governance. Beyond politics, he is a successful businessman with investments spanning oil and gas, media, agriculture, sports, and other critical sectors. He is also a renowned philanthropist whose generosity has touched countless lives.
Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada has the capacity to win a statewide election and the competence to deliver good governance. He represents continuity with progress and stability with innovation. He is well-positioned to build upon the foundations laid by Engineer Abdullahi Sule and take Nasarawa State to greater heights.
In conclusion, justice, peace, and unity demand that the governorship of Nasarawa State returns to the Western Senatorial Zone in 2027. Supporting this course is not an act of regional sentiment but a commitment to fairness, harmony, and the collective future of the state. The time to do the right thing is now.