An Open Letter to Governor Abdullahi Sule on the Urgent Need to Balance the APC Ticket and Address Ethnic Concerns

Your Excellency,

I write to you with a deep sense of responsibility and concern regarding recent political developments in Nasarawa State, particularly the emergence of Ahmed Aliyu Wadada as the preferred consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

While consensus arrangements are not new in party politics, the decision has stirred discontent, especially within Nasarawa West Senatorial District.

This stems largely from earlier understandings around zoning and the growing call by stakeholders for micro-zoning, an approach aimed at ensuring inclusivity and giving historically underrepresented areas, such as Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency, a fair opportunity to serve at the highest level.

Your Excellency, it is important to note that the Keffi/Karu/Kokona Federal Constituency, where Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada hails from, has previously produced a democratically elected governor between 1999 and 2007.

This reality has further intensified the perception of imbalance and exclusion among other constituencies.

At this critical juncture, the burden lies on your leadership and that of the APC to act swiftly and decisively to restore confidence, promote unity, and douse rising ethnic and political tensions.

The Imperative of Strategic Political Balancing:

There is an urgent need to address emerging concerns of ethnic profiling and marginalisation across the state. Nasarawa West is particularly sensitive, and the current situation demands a deliberate and inclusive redistribution of political opportunities, especially National Assembly tickets, to reflect fairness among the diverse ethnic groups.

Suggested Pathways to Restore Balance:

Keffi/Karu/Kokona Federal Constituency:

With Keffi Local Government already producing the consensus governorship candidate of Hausa/Fulani extraction, and Karu Local Government having representation in the National Assembly through a Gbagyi lawmaker currently serving a second term, Kokona Local Government stands as the most viable area to be considered for the House of Representatives seat.

This will ensure equity and give the dominant ethnic groups in Kokona a sense of belonging.

Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency:

In Nasarawa Local Government, where both Hausa/Fulani and Afo communities coexist, the current House of Representatives member, of Hausa/Fulani origin, Hon. Mohammed Abdulmuni Ari is serving a second term. Similarly, the Udege/Loko axis reflects a mix of Afo and Hausa populations.

In the spirit of fairness, the APC should strongly consider zoning the next National Assembly ticket precisely House of Representatives to the Afo ethnic group to foster inclusivity.

Toto Local Government:

Toto is home to the Egbira, Gade, Bassa and Gbagyi ethnic groups, with the Egbira forming the majority.

Given their apparent setback in the ongoing governorship process, it would be both strategic and just to consider the Egbira for the National Assembly ticket.

Your Excellency, in the interest of equity, fairness, and political balance, it is imperative that the Nasarawa West Senatorial ticket be zoned to Toto/Nasarawa Local Government Area.

Such a decision would not only uphold the principles of inclusiveness but also strengthen unity within the party.

Furthermore, Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya, who has demonstrated unwavering loyalty and commitment to the party since its inception, deserves due recognition and compensation for his years of sacrifice to the party.

Granting him the senatorial ticket would be a just and strategic move, reinforcing internal cohesion and ensuring a balanced representation within the APC.

This gesture would go a long way in calming frayed nerves and reinforcing their stake in the political process.

Your Excellency, these recommendations are not merely political calculations; they are necessary steps toward strengthening unity, ensuring fairness, and preventing a sense of oppression among any group.

The APC, under your leadership, has the opportunity to set a precedent for inclusive governance and equitable power-sharing, not just in Nasarawa West, but across all three senatorial districts of the state.

The time to act is now. A balanced ticket is not only politically expedient but also essential for sustaining peace, cohesion, and electoral success.

Respectfully,

A Concerned Stakeholder,

Yahaya Idris Toto