Zoning in Osun State's 2026 Governorship Election: A Recipe for Disaster in All Progressives' Congress (APC) by Aderemi Ajala

Introduction

The zoning system, a practice used to rotationally allocate political positions among different regions or groups within a state or party, has been a contentious issue in Nigerian politics. Despite its contentious recurrence, since 1999 to date, zoning has not produced positive effects in Nigerian politics. Clamour for zoning is often raised in expression of fear and failure to stand the rigours of election. It is therefore shocking,that while the platform is democratically, and equally opened for contest in the 2026 governorship election in Osun state, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for this election, the clamour for the zoning system in favour of West Senatorial zone has sparked debate. This write-up argues against the use of zoning in the choice of candidate to represent APC in the 2026 governorship election in Osun state, highlighting its limitations and potential drawbacks.

*Limitations of the Zoning System*

1. *Restricting Merit-Based Selection:* Zoning can lead to the selection of candidates based on geographical or political considerations rather than merit, potentially undermining the quality of governance.

2. *Perpetuating Regionalism:* By emphasizing regional representation, zoning can exacerbate existing divisions and create resentment among other regions or groups.

3. *Limiting Voter Choice:* Zoning can restrict voters' ability to choose their preferred candidate and potentially lead to disengagement and apathy in the election. Thus providing cheap opportunities for opposing parties to overrun our party in 2026 gubernatorial election. Meanwhile, going by the current political action, it is likely that the candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will come from Ede, which produces heavy votes in the West Senatorial zone. With this possibility,there is nothing left for our party to rely on in the west to earn the needed votes for our party's victory from the west. That is why our party must ensure that it raises and encourages candidates from all zones for the election, particularly from cities that have bulk votes to counter Ede's votes.

4. *Fostering Entitlement Mentality:* The zoning system can create an entitlement mentality among certain groups or regions, leading to unrealistic expectations and potential conflict within the party. A situation that can cause serious problems for the party,  if not properly managed. Zoning will definitely cause drawbacks for our party in Osun State. 

5. *Disenfranchisement of Non-Indigenes:* Zoning may disenfranchise potential aspirants from other regions, limiting their opportunities and creating tension.

6. *Undermining Party Ideology:* By prioritizing regional representation over party ideology, zoning will undermine the APC's core values and principles.

In view of the above, it is desirable for our party to shun the calls for zoning.  The perpetrators of zoning in favour of the West  are enemies of our party who are careless about what happens to the party in the state.

They are pushing their personal inordinate ambitions and interests without minding what happens to the party. Instead of zoning, I appeal to the party to allow:

1. *Merit-Based Selection of candidate:* The APC should adopt a merit-based selection process, prioritizing candidates' qualifications, experience, and track record, using level playing ground.

2. *Open Primaries:* The party should consider open primaries, allowing all registered voters to participate and choose their preferred candidate. Through primary election, all members of the party shall be familiar with all the aspirants and be able to choose their preferred best.

*Conclusion*

While the zoning system has been used in Nigerian politics to promote regional representation and balance, its limitations and potential drawbacks can not be ignored. In the context of the 2026 APC governorship election in Osun State, abandoning the zoning system in favour of a merit-based selection process or open primaries could lead to more inclusive, competitive, and effective governance. By prioritizing the party's ideology and voters' preferences, the APC can build a stronger, more united party and ensure better governance for Osun State.

*Prof. Aderemi Suleiman Ajala,*

*Ward 1, Irepodun Local Govt. Area, Osun state.*