The Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially scrapped its long-standing zoning arrangement for the governorship position, declaring that the system has no constitutional or legal backing.
In a statement issued in Minna by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Musa D. Sarkinkaji, the APC maintained that neither the party’s constitution nor that of the Constitution of Nigeria recognises zoning as a binding principle in democratic elections.
He explained 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.
Meanwhile, a prominent party chieftain in the state, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, has welcomed the decision, describing the move as long overdue and a step toward strengthening democratic practice in Niger State.
Vatsa, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, said the zoning arrangement had, over the years, hindered development by prioritising rotation over competence.
He argued that the system has encouraged mediocrity, allowing underperforming office holders to remain in power for a full term regardless of their performance.
“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.
According to him, 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 is believed to be linked to recent remarks by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, who represents Niger East Senatorial District, during the flag-off of a foreign scholarship programme in Minna.
Senator Musa had hinted that he would have contested for the governorship seat in 2027 if not for the zoning arrangement, noting that the system currently limits aspirants within the party.
“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.
The senator’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 zoning system now abolished, 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 electoral cycle.
APC Abolishes 26-Year Zoning System in Niger, Opens Governorship Race
