2027: Rep Abubakar Nalaraba rejects Nasarawa APC zoning arrangement, calls it undemocratic
….Says agitation for zoning is rooted in injustice and political manipulation
By Roseline Okafor, Nasarawa
The leading All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Nasarawa State, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, who also represents Awe, Keana, and Doma federal constituency at the National Assembly, has criticized the calls for zoning the 2027 governorship position exclusively to the Western Senatorial District of Nasarawa State.
Nalaraba spoke during a meeting with APC executives and local government coordinators from the five local government areas of Nasarawa West at his campaign office in GRA Keffi, the lawmaker described the agitation for zoning as rooted in injustice and political manipulation.
He argued that such zoning demands are unfair and divisive, emphasizing that leadership should be earned based on merit rather than imposed by sectional zoning arrangements.
Hon Nalaraba views contrasts with the call by former Governor Abdullahi Adamu and other stakeholders who advocate that the Western Senatorial Zone, which has not produced a governor as recently as other zones, should have the opportunity next.
However, critics, including some youth leaders in Nasarawa West, have voiced opposition to rigid zoning, advocating instead for competence and visionary leadership regardless of zone.
Nalaraba’s stance and debate in Nasarawa politics, where the principle of zoning is contested, with some seeing it as outdated or exclusionary, while others view it as necessary for equity among the state’s diverse zones.
Nalaraba described those agitating for zoning for the governorship position to the Western Zone as weak politicians, targeting to prevent competent aspirants like himself from vying for the number one seat.
“I have the capacity to govern Nasarawa State with diligence and commitment, and I have declared Operation No Retreat, No Surrender, but it’s not a do-or-die affair. We are trusting God for all that we do,” he said.
The lawmaker reiterated that Nasarawa State is for everybody, and no one should prevent people from participating in the 2027 governorship APC primaries.
“Every zone has done the governor position, starting from Abdullahi Adamu from the Western Zone, Aliyu Akwe Doma of blessed memory Sen. Tanko Al-Makura from the Southern Zone, and now Engineer Abdullahi Sule from Nasarawa North.
“You see, it has gone round; the floor should be thrown open for everybody. Whoever wins the zoning should start,” Nalaraba explained.
Abubakar Nalaraba told APC officials that if elected as governor of Nasarawa State, he would declare a state of emergency in the education and health sectors, focus on rural development, boost agriculture, and empower youth and women to drive development.
According to him, his manifesto would soon be made public so that people could see and understand what he plans to do for Nasarawa State, stating that he has done it and will continue to do so as a member of the House of Representatives.
He disclosed that he would soon organize an empowerment program for all coordinators across the state in Lafia, urging the coordinators and APC officials to be sincere and firm in defending democracy, not zoning, which is an internal arrangement.
On his part, a House of Assembly aspirant for Keana State constituency, Hon. Oshafu, said Team Nalaraba for Governor 2027 is demanding a fair and just primary that will give room for every aspirant to participate.
Also speaking, the Nasarawa West coordinator of Nalaraba for Governor, Alhaji Rabo; Haruna Danyiaro, coordinator for Nasarawa LGA; and Hajiya Kumaje Yusuf, coordinator for Toto Local Government Area, both rejected the zoning arrangement of APC and declared total support for Abubakar Nalaraba 2027.
