A contender for the Nasarawa governorship, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, has chided proponents of the zoning of elective positions, insisting that the practice is undemocratic and counterproductive.
Senator Wadada told some critical stakeholders yesterday that, rather than uniting, zoning widens existing divisions among the people and should be discouraged.
He argued that while zoning may foster inclusivity, it ultimately undermines the principles of meritocracy, unity, and constitutional democracy.
“Zoning contradicts the core tenets of democracy. In a proper democratic setting, every qualified citizen should have the right to contest for office, irrespective of where they come from.
“By prioritising geographical origin over leadership capabilities, we risk elevating mediocrity at the expense of visionary leadership,” he added. He warned that zoning could lead to the emergence of unqualified leaders, as it places zonal representation above competence.
According to Senator Wadada, the practice has, in the past, bred resentment and division among the state’s diverse communities, as different groups jostle for power based on perceived entitlements.
While reiterating his long-held opposition to the zoning principle, Wadada said, “Rather than uniting us, zoning deepens our divisions.”
Senator Wadada emphasised the need to shift the focus from zonal considerations to individual merit, vision, and leadership competence.
“The progress of Nasarawa State depends on the quality of its leaders, not their ethnic origin. We must move beyond zoning and let the best candidates emerge through fair and open competition,” he concluded.
