The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State has formally abolished the long-standing zoning arrangement for the governorship position, declaring that the practice has no constitutional or legal backing within Nigeria’s democratic framework.
In a statement issued in Minna, the state capital, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Musa D. Sarkinkaji, said both the APC constitution and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria do not recognise zoning as a binding principle. He emphasised that the system, which has guided political power rotation in the state for over two decades, remains a political convention rather than a legal requirement.
Sarkinkaji stated that with the clarification, all qualified individuals—whether within the APC or outside it—are free to contest for the governorship irrespective of their senatorial district or geographical origin.
“While zoning has historically served as a stabilising political arrangement by promoting inclusiveness and balance, it is important to state that it is not a binding provision of either the party constitution or that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said. “Consequently, every qualified individual retains the constitutional right to aspire to the office of governor.”
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The party reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, noting that the legitimacy of any candidate should be determined by popular support through due process. It also assured members of a level playing field and called for responsible conduct and constructive engagement among aspirants.
The decision has been welcomed by some stakeholders within the party. A chieftain of the APC in the state and former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, described the move as long overdue.
Vatsa criticised the zoning arrangement as an “undemocratic political system” that has hindered the state’s progress. According to him, the practice has, over the past 26 years, prioritised mediocrity over competence and contributed to underdevelopment.
“For over two decades, Niger State has paid a huge price for this arrangement. It has sacrificed competence and capacity in the name of zoning,” he said. “We have witnessed situations where underperforming leaders remained in office simply because the system protected them.”
He further argued that the practice encouraged a culture where governors expected to serve two terms regardless of performance, thereby stifling accountability and development. Vatsa maintained that Niger State remains one of the least developed in the North Central region partly due to the continued reliance on zoning.
The abolition of the system appears to be connected to recent remarks by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, who represents Niger East Senatorial District. The senator had disclosed that he would have contested the governorship seat in 2027 if not for the zoning arrangement.
Speaking during the launch of a foreign scholarship programme for his constituents in Minna, Musa questioned restrictions within the party and asserted his political relevance.
“We are in one party, and our party does not stop anyone from contesting,” he said. “I swear by Allah, if not for the zoning arrangement, I would have contested for the governorship.”
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The senator also accused some political associates he had supported in the past of attempting to undermine him, describing himself as one of the strongest figures within the APC in the state.
His comments came weeks after Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago reportedly urged APC supporters in the Suleja Emirate to consider replacing the senator if he was not serving their interests.
With the scrapping of zoning, political observers believe Niger State is set for a more competitive governorship race ahead of 2027, as aspirants across all districts may now freely declare their ambitions.
The development signals a significant shift in the state’s political landscape, potentially redefining power dynamics and candidate selection within the ruling party.
