Since the inception of democratic governance in 1999, the aspiration of six senatorial zones in Northern Nigeria to attain the governorship seat in their respective states has remained a distant dream. Daily Trust on Sunday delves into the factors that have contributed to this phenomenon.
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The Reality of Neglected Zones
Daily Trust’s investigation reveals that, in the northern part of the country, there are at least six senatorial zones that have not produced governors in their respective states since 1999. These zones are Benue South, Kwara North, Kogi West, Borno South, Adamawa Central, and Yobe North. However, a different scenario is observed in the southern regions of the country.
While experts commonly attribute this issue to the democratic practice where the majority prevails, there are voices advocating for deliberate efforts to rectify the situation and offer a sense of inclusion to minority groups.
Adamawa Central’s Lack of Unity and Leadership
The Adamawa Central senatorial zone is composed of five local government areas: Madagali, Michika, Maiha, Mubi North, and Mubi South. According to Senator Abubakar Halilu Girei, lack of leadership and unity within the zone have hindered its ability to produce a governor. He highlighted a case where the zone almost succeeded in electing a governor but faced internal conflicts. He cited current legal challenges that may provide an opportunity for the zone to achieve its goal.
Yobe North’s Weak Opposition
Yobe North senatorial zone has been unable to secure a governorship position in Yobe State since the return to democracy in 1999. Stakeholders point to weak opposition parties in the region and a belief that securing the ruling party’s ticket is necessary for victory. This perception has hindered the zone’s commitment to winning elections when granted the opportunity.
Ethnicity and Population Challenge Benue South
In Benue State, Zone C, also known as Benue South, has struggled to secure the governorship position. This region comprises nine local government areas predominantly of the Idoma-speaking ethnic group. However, the larger Tiv-speaking population in the state has consistently dominated the governorship. Despite efforts to achieve power rotation, ethnicity and population dynamics have posed challenges for Benue South.
Kwara North’s Struggle for Unity
Kwara North senatorial district has faced difficulties in securing the governorship position. Since 1999, only one governor from the district has served a brief term. Political differences and a lack of unity have hindered its aspirations. The central and southern districts of the state have held the governorship for most of the democratic era. Stakeholders from Kwara North emphasize the importance of unity and fair representation in the political landscape.
Power Shift Challenges in Kogi State
In Kogi State, power rotation among the senatorial districts has been a contentious issue. The west senatorial district has yet to produce a governor since the state’s creation. The central and eastern districts have dominated leadership positions. Stakeholders from the west district are advocating for power rotation and greater representation, considering the district’s history of exclusion.
Borno South’s Complex Electoral Dynamics
Borno State’s southern senatorial zone, Borno South, has struggled to secure the governorship position. Complex electoral dynamics influenced by population distribution and ethnic factors have hindered its success. The north and central parts of the state dominate politics due to their larger population and religious homogeneity. Political dynamics based on these factors have shaped the electoral outcomes in Borno South.
Democratic Majority and Zone Representation
Hameed Ajinola Jimoh, a human rights lawyer, acknowledges that the trend is a consequence of the democratic practice where the majority holds sway. He calls on the zones that have not produced governors to engage in dialogues with other zones to address the issue. Jimoh also supports a constitutional amendment that would institutionalize power rotation among zones in each state.
In light of these challenges, the experiences of these senatorial zones underscore the importance of creating more inclusive and equitable political systems to ensure fair representation and opportunities for all segments of society.
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