Political domination by certain senatorial zones across Nigeria has deepened feelings of exclusion and marginalisation among minority groups, resulting in persistent agitation and near-conflict situations. In many states, dominant zones consistently control key political structures, leaving minority areas with limited access to governorship positions and other high-level appointments.
Despite repeated calls for equity and power rotation, those benefiting from the existing imbalance often dismiss such demands. As a result, several senatorial districts in the country have never produced a civilian governor since their creation, while others continue to dominate state leadership election after election.
Benue South Left Out Despite Decades of Appeals
In Benue State, the governorship has rotated exclusively between the Benue North-East (Zone A) and North-West (Zone B) districts since 1999. Benue South (Zone C), populated mainly by the Idoma, has been relegated to the deputy governorship position.
Stakeholders from Zones A and B argue that politics is a “game of numbers,” noting that the Tiv-speaking majority occupies 14 of the state’s 23 local government areas. They insist that unless deliberate concessions are made, minority groups cannot secure the governorship.
Though many Zone C candidates have contested, their efforts have repeatedly been unsuccessful. A former deputy governor and 2023 governorship aspirant from the zone, Engr. Benson Abounu, recounted how his bid despite his experience and initial support was resisted by the Tiv political elite.
He revealed that even traditional efforts, including a plea from the Ochi’Idoma to the Tiv paramount ruler, Ochivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, failed to produce an agreement for power rotation.
Abounu warned that continued refusal to prioritise competence and inclusivity will slow development in Benue.
Ogun West: Nearly 50 Years Without a Governor
Ogun West Senatorial District, home to the Yewa-Awori people, has also never produced a governor since the state’s creation in 1976. Since 1999, power has alternated between Ogun Central and Ogun East, leaving the West perpetually sidelined.
Analysts attribute this to internal disunity, lack of a broadly accepted candidate, and political manipulation by influential actors from other zones. Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (“Yayi”) described the situation as a glaring injustice, expressing optimism that the 2027 election could alter the political trajectory.
Kogi West Yet to Break the Deadlock
In Kogi State, Kogi West remains the only district that has not produced an elected governor since 1999. While Clarence Olafemi briefly served as acting governor in 2008, the zone continues to express frustration over its exclusion.
Since the inception of the Fourth Republic, the governorship has been dominated by Kogi East and Kogi Central, fuelling ongoing agitation for fairness.
Southern Kaduna Pushes for Equity
In Kaduna State, the South (Zone 3) is the only district that has not retained the governorship through an electoral mandate. The late Patrick Yakowa became governor in 2010 after serving as deputy, and later won the 2011 election, but his tenure was cut short by a fatal helicopter crash.
Since Yakowa’s death, leaders from Southern Kaduna have continued to lobby for power rotation. Youth leader Amos Bala expressed hope that, with sustained dialogue, the region would once again have the opportunity to lead the state.
