Niger 2023: zoning of governor unconstitutional – Gov Sani Bello

By Abubaka Ibrahim

As 2023 governorship race begins in Niger State, Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has joined the debate over zoning of the governor of the state among the different districts. Governor Bello declared that zoning or power rotation in the state is unconstitutional. The governor maintained that the state politics has not been going by zoning political calculous.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello said he would prefer a better candidate who will continue the good works he is doing presently on his exit in 2023, not a candidate emerging through zoning.

A source within the Government House, Minna, hinted that all efforts and lobbying to ensure the APC zone the 2023 governorship ticket to Niger South Zone B will fail, noting that the governor has said he prefers credible and better candidate, as he commences search for a successor from the 3 senatorial districts. However, it is not the time for Niger north, but Niger east and Niger south should come up with good candidate.

A political analyst said that even if they go with zoning, Niger East which had started the zoning and it has gone round, should stand a big chance of producing the next governor.

There are strong signals that many people are aspiring for the seat. Some of the aspirants include Engineer Abubakar Garba Ibrahim Dodo, in the Niger east zone B, the current Deputy Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ketso from Niger south zone A, Hon. Abubakar Lado Suleja from zone B, Alhaji Ndanusa from zone A.

A source disclosed that Engineer Dodo had done well in the area of youths’ development in the state before now; Engineer Ndanusa, former sports minister, is also identified as one of the aspirants for the post. However, according to Sulejains, Engineer Dodo is giving the other aspirants sleepless nights due to his popularity, experience, and acceptability.