Ahead of 2027: Zone Governorship Position to South West — Senator Adamu Takes Campaign to Emir of Lafia

By David Odama

Former Nasarawa State governor and first civilian leader of the state, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, on Thursday intensified his push for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in the 2027 elections to be allocated to the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.

Leading a delegation of stakeholders from Nasarawa West to the palace of the Emir of Lafia, retired Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, Senator Adamu reiterated his call for a zoning arrangement that would favor his senatorial district.

The move comes as the political atmosphere in Nasarawa grows more charged, with various actors positioning themselves for advantage as Governor Abdullahi Sule nears the end of his constitutionally mandated eight-year tenure.

Stakeholders from Nasarawa West insist that zoning — a strategy that worked in 2019 to deliver the governorship to the current administration — should again guide the party’s choice of candidate. This, they argue, will ensure fairness and inclusivity across the state’s three senatorial districts.

It was in this light that Senator Adamu and other prominent figures from the district sought the Emir’s intervention, leveraging his role as Chairman of the Nasarawa State Traditional Council of Chiefs to rally support from political leaders and decision-makers.

“We are here to seek the understanding and support of the Emir of Lafia in our quest to see the next governor of Nasarawa State come from Nasarawa West Senatorial District,” Adamu said. “We are encouraged by the Emir’s words and grateful for the understanding he has shown.”

In his remarks, the Emir of Lafia commended Senator Adamu for uniting the people of Nasarawa West behind a common goal. He urged them to expand their consultations to other traditional rulers to build a broader base of support.

Reflecting on the state’s political trajectory, the Emir noted that a similar zoning push from Nasarawa North in 2019 led to a competitive APC primary and ultimately to the emergence of Governor Sule. While Governor Sule has acknowledged benefiting from zoning, it remains uncertain whether he will endorse the West’s current demands.

As 2027 approaches, the outcome of these political maneuvers could significantly reshape Nasarawa’s leadership dynamics, leaving many to watch and wait for the next decisive move.