In a significant political development, House of Representatives member Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba has openly challenged the proposed zoning arrangement for the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa State.
Lawmaker Takes Stand Against Zoning
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, who represents Awe, Keana and Doma Federal Constituency, strongly criticized calls to zone the 2027 governorship position exclusively to the Western Senatorial District of Nasarawa State. Nalaraba made his position clear during a meeting with APC executives and local council coordinators from the five local councils in Nasarawa West.
The meeting took place at his campaign office in GRA Keffi on November 24, 2025, where the federal lawmaker described the agitation for zoning as being rooted in injustice and political manipulation. He emphasized that such zoning demands are unfair and divisive to the political landscape of Nasarawa State.
Merit Versus Zoning Debate Intensifies
Nalaraba articulated that leadership positions should be earned based on merit rather than imposed by sectional zoning arrangements. His stance places him directly at odds with Governor Abdullahi Sule and some prominent figures within the ruling party who have insisted on zoning the next governorship to Nasarawa West.
The controversy highlights a growing divide within the APC ranks in Nasarawa State. While the governor and party bigwigs advocate for the zoning arrangement, other stakeholders maintain that competency and popularity of candidates should be the determining factors in selecting the party's flagbearer for the 2027 elections.
Political Implications for 2027 Elections
This emerging conflict within the ruling party signals potential turbulence ahead of the 2027 governorship race. The debate between zoning and merit-based selection reflects broader conversations happening within Nigerian politics about how parties should choose their candidates.
As an experienced politician and federal lawmaker, Nalaraba's public opposition to the zoning arrangement adds significant weight to the argument for merit-based leadership selection. His position suggests that the road to the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa State may be more contested than initially anticipated.
The outcome of this internal party debate could have far-reaching consequences for APC's unity and electoral prospects in the forthcoming elections.
