Nasarawa 2027: Former SSG Says Zoning Will Bring Unity, Progress And Stability In Nasarawa Politics
Rabiu Omaku
As the 2027 Governorship election gathers momentum, a one time Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Chief Philip Dada, has buttressed that the zoning formula will bring Unity, Progress And Stability In Nasarawa Politics
The elder statesman, a traditional title holder and a critical stakeholder of the ruling All Progressives Congress, whose shared vision is the unity and progress of the State.
Philip Dada, a retired Federal Director who later served as a pioneer member of the State Executive Council with the portfolio for Works, Housing, and Transport, said the State would forge ahead with the sharing formula in place.
A respected figure in Nasarawa’s political landscape, Dada is now a vocal passionate advocate for the Western Senatorial Zone’s claim to the 2027 Governorship.
Philip Dada, underscoring the zone’s role in the state’s democratic credentials, and others who believe in the principles of fairness, Justice, equity, inclusiveness, and cross-zone, broad-based consensus to drive development in Nasarawa State.
In this interview, Chief Philip Dada bares his mind on topical issues including politics of zoning, fairness, equity, and justice as well as politics with broad-mindedness.
You recently commented on the possibility of the next Governor of Nasarawa State coming from the Western Senatorial Zone. Can you summarize your position for our readers?
Yes. I believe it is the turn of the Western Senatorial Zone to produce the next Governor in 2027, all three zones having taken their turns. But I also hasten to emphasize that we cannot do it alone. We must lobby, negotiate, plead, persuade, and garner broad-based support from stakeholders across all zones to ensure a shared vision for progress.
You mentioned a recent visit by a delegation from the Western Senatorial Zone led by Senator Abdullahi Adamu. What was the purpose of that visit?
The purpose was advocacy, lobbying, and solidarity. The delegation came to Governor Abdullahi Sule to seek his backing for our zoning aspiration and to demonstrate that the Western Zone is united with capacity in the push to produce the next Governor. It was a show of commitment to our common goal and the principle of equity in our state’s political arrangement.
How does zoning or rotating the Governorship fit into Nasarawa State’s political and constitutional landscape?
Zoning aligns with the democratic and federalist spirit of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Nasarawa State, being a federating unit. Our State has practised rotational leadership in the past, which has helped maintain unity, peace, and balance among the zones. If we uphold this principle, we reinforce fairness, encourage participation from all zones, enhance a sense of belonging, and strengthen the bond among Nasarawa’s diverse components.
Some aspirants from other zones have already started campaigns for 2027. What is your advice to them?
I urge aspirants from the Northern and Southern zones to sheathe their swords, show sportsmanship, and join us in advocating for a fair rotation that benefits the entire State. The beauty of/a democracy is negotiation and consensus-building founded on shared vision and aspirations. We must work together to ensure the next Governor comes from the Western Zone, but this should be done with respect for the process and the people of Nasarawa.
You spoke of Governor Sule as a product of zoning. Can you elaborate on this point for clarity?
Governor Sule himself acknowledged and supported the zoning arrangement that allowed him to emerge as our Governor. He has assured the Western Zone of his support in our ambition in line with his avowed conviction for fairness, equity, and Justice, which strengthens inter-zonal trust and unity. Our position is that benefiting from a zoning structure requires the incumbent and the party to stay committed to these principles.
What role did the Governor personally play in advancing the Western Zone’s Gubernatorial aspirations?
The Governor’s role is crucial; he is the leader of our party and the Government, and a trusted figure for many stakeholders. If he endorses and mobilizes support for zoning to the Western Zone, it will help broaden consensus and endear all stakeholders across the State to his backing signals that the governance framework is fair and that the State stands to benefit from continuity and stability; after all the state like any other one exists in perpetuity with every zones having the potential and chance to produce the number 1 Citizen of the State from their zone in due time. It only requires the patience of actors, politicians, and stakeholders, and for them to have faith in the arrangements.
How do you respond to those who say the Western Zone should wait for its turn, but also that aspirants should present a credible plan to win nationwide support?
Waiting for one’s turn is mutual and about embracing fairness and opportunity for all zones. At the same time, any aspirant must present a credible plan, build alliances, and persuade voters across the state. Our stance is not about coercion; it’s about negotiation, public persuasion, and demonstrating that the Western Zone can deliver a Governor who unites and develops the entire State in an equitable and balanced manner in the way Governor Sule has tried to do with administration from citizens.
What would you say to people who may be worried that zoning could stifle merit or lead to ethnic or regional tensions?
On the contrary, Zoning should enhance fairness and inclusive development, not exclusion or tension. If managed well, it strengthens unity and reduces friction because it provides a clear, peaceful framework for succession.
Quote: “The key and the most important point in the zoning formula is transparent processes, consistent adherence to the zoning principle, and open dialogue among all stakeholders. I believe that the Western Zone, like the others, has more than sufficient capable hands for the office of the Governor”.
In practical terms, what steps is the Western Zone taking to secure support for the 2027 Governorship?
Quote:” We are engaging all stakeholders, including politicians, aspirants, traditional fathers etc across the zones, fostering dialogue with party leaders, and building consensus on the need for their support for our ambition and the principle of zoning as a governance model for peace, unity and harmony for development of our state”..
Quote: “We are also encouraging aspirants to present strong, service-oriented, people- centric platforms that resonate beyond regional interests. The goal is unity, not division, and to secure broad-based support for the Western Zone.
How optimistic are you about achieving a Western-zone Governorship in 2027?
I am very optimistic, but optimism must be laced with diligence in advocacy and hard work. We have a clear democratic and constitutional backing for zoning, a supportive base within our zone, and a willingness to engage across the State. If we stay disciplined, patient, and communicative, the chances are bright and favourable.
What message would you like to send to the people of Nasarawa State as we approach the 2027 campaigns?
My message is simple: Let fairness guide our politics. Respect the concept of zoning arrangement, support leaders who are committed to equity and development for all zones, and participate actively in the process. Campaigns must be issue-based and not violent. A Nasarawa that embraces unity and opportunity for every zone will be stronger and more prosperous.
Finally, what role do you see for accountability and good governance in sustaining the support for zoning and for the next administration?
Accountability and good governance are non-negotiable. The people deserve transparent decision-making, measurable progress, and prompt service delivery. If the next administration demonstrates results and maintains trust through accountability, it will reinforce the legitimacy of zoning and build confidence across Nasarawa State. In order to strengthen this and minimise acrimony in the contest for power by politicians in the State from each, I will strongly recommend that moving forward, zoning principle should be formally adopted as a power rotation policy in the State with adequate provisions to be discussed and enshrined in the policy document subsequently.
There has been evident praise for Governor Sule&s developmental projects. Can you highlight some of his notable achievements and explain how they align with our zoning and unity goals?
Certainly. Governor Sule has driven a range of transformative legacy initiatives that have touched many communities across Nasarawa State. I have granted several interviews and written articles on some of these in the past. For one, his administration has prioritized critical infrastructure—roads, markets, and bridges—that have opened up economic activity and reduced travel times for traders and farmers alike. In health and education, there have been upgrades of facilities and improved service delivery, which directly uplift the living standards of our people.
On security and safety, there have been strategic collaborations with security agencies to create a more peaceful environment for investment and development. Importantly, these projects have not been isolated to one zone; they are distributed in a way that demonstrates fairness and inclusivity, reinforcing the message that development and opportunities should benefit all parts of the State.
He has focused efforts at laying a sound foundation for industrialization in the State.the State has become an investment destination for the private sector in mining industries and mechanised agriculture.
This approach aligns perfectly with our zoning principle, as it shows that continuity and good governance can deliver measurable progress while maintaining unity among the zones.
Governor Sule’s track record gives credence to the belief that a Governor from the Western Zone can sustain and expand these gains for the entire State.The greatest achievement of Governor Sule , for me, is good governance, which is broad and all-encompassing.
