Former IGP Adamu Rejects Zoning for 2027 Nasarawa Governorship Race Citing Historical Precedent

Mohammed Abubakar Adamu rejects zoning for Nasarawa’s 2027 governorship. Read why the former IGP is pushing for direct primaries in the APC.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 3:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

The Rejection of Regional Power Rotation

Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, the former Inspector General of Police and a prominent aspirant for the Nasarawa State governorship, has publicly dismissed the existence of a zoning arrangement for the 2027 election cycle. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Adamu asserted that the governorship seat should remain open to all contenders regardless of their senatorial district. This declaration directly challenges the current political climate in the state, where discussions regarding regional rotation have become a central point of contention within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Contradicting Gubernatorial Preferences

The political landscape in Nasarawa is currently divided by geographic loyalties and executive influence. While incumbent Governor Abdullahi Sule is reportedly inclined toward selecting a successor from Nasarawa West, Adamu, who hails from Nasarawa South, maintains that his home region is advocating for an open contest. Adamu stated that he does not expect patronage from the sitting governor, emphasizing instead that the ultimate decision resides with the electorate. He noted that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, various ruling parties, including the PDP and CPC, have failed to establish a functional or consistent zoning system.

Advocating for Direct Primary Oversight

To ensure a transparent selection process, Adamu has voiced a strong preference for the direct primaries option over the indirect system. He argued that indirect primaries are susceptible to manipulation, where delegates can be sequestered and coerced into voting for specific candidates. According to Adamu, the direct primaries model provides a level playing field by allowing the general membership of the party to vote. He expressed confidence that this method would prevent power brokers from "taking delegates and keeping them somewhere" to influence the outcome.