By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
The Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially abolished its long-standing zoning arrangement for the governorship seat, saying that the system has no constitutional or legal support.
This is contained in a statement issued in Minna by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Musa D. Sarkinkaji, emphasizing that neither the party’s constitution nor that of the Constitution of Nigeria recognises zoning as a binding principle in democratic elections, hence the party has opened the ticket for the three zones to contest come 2027 general elections.
Sarkin- kaji noted that, while the zoning arrangement has for over 26 years served as a political stabiliser—promoting inclusiveness, balance, and mutual understanding—it remains a convention rather than a legal requirement.
“Zoning is a political arrangement, not a constitutional provision,” Sarkinkaji stated, adding that every qualified member of the APC, as well as non-members, retains the constitutional right to contest for the office of governor irrespective of senatorial or geographical considerations.
The party stressed that democracy guarantees freedom of participation, noting that the legitimacy of any candidate ultimately depends on popular support through due electoral processes.
Despite the abolition, the APC reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values, internal unity, and a level playing field for all aspirants, urging members to conduct themselves responsibly and engage constructively.
Reacting to the development, an APC chieftain in Niger state, Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, welcomed the development, describing the move as long overdue and a step towards strengthening democratic practice in the state.
Jonathan Vatsa, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, said the zoning arrangement had, over the years, hindered development by prioritising rotation over competence.
Jonathan Vatsa who is also a one term APC State Publicity Secretary argued that the system has encouraged mediocrity, allowing underperforming office holders to remain in power for a full term regardless of their performance.
According to him “For over 26 years, Niger State has suffered under this arrangement,” he said, adding that the state has paid a “huge price” for what he described as an undemocratic practice.
He stated that zoning has discouraged accountability, as political leaders feel entitled to complete two terms regardless of their performance.
“As it stands, Niger State has lagged behind in development because of this system,” Vatsa said, insisting that the abolition would open the door for merit-based leadership.
The development from the party is believed to be linked to recent remarks by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, who represents Niger East Senatorial District, during his flag-off of a foreign scholarship programme in Bosso area of Minna.
Senator Musa had hinted that he would have contested for the governorship seat come 2027 if not for the zoning arrangement, noting that the system currently limits aspirants within the party in the state.
According to him, “We are one broom. Our party does not stop anyone from contesting,” he said, adding that zoning should not restrict democratic choice within the party.”
He also expressed concerns about internal party dynamics, alleging that some beneficiaries of his political support were now working against him.
Senator Musa’s comments, coming amid growing political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections, have further intensified discussions around zoning, succession planning, and internal democracy within the APC in Niger State.
With the collapsed of zoning formular, political observers say the decision is expected to reshape the political landscape in Niger State, potentially opening the governorship race to a wider pool of contenders and intensifying competition ahead of the next general elections in the state that will allow competent and better candidate to emerge to enhance development.
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