Gaza / Ninga 2027 ticket: Round peg in a round hole

By David Odama

The emergence of Rt Hon. Jonathan Gaza and Adamu Ninga as the flag bearers of the Labour party (LP) in Nasarawa state for the 2027 governorship election has not only draw up hope and confidence in the political space of Nasarawa state, but brought with it a second direction of good governance greatest towards reshaping the development of the state.

Nasarawa state considering the political landscape history ahead of the 2027 general elections, in dare need of people with political experience, outstanding public service record and standing within the party into focus full with people oriented programmes and prospects.

For many political observers, the choice of Rt Hon Jonathan Gaza and Adamu Ninga as the governorship and running mate candidates of the Labour party could aptly be described as putting a round peg in a round hole. His years of involvement in politics, governance, education and community development provide him with considerable experience for the task of providing an excellent opportunity taking the state to the yearning development over the years.

Like the biblical Daniel, whose wisdom, diligence and humility distinguished him in public service, Jonathan Gaza has built a profile that cuts across academia, humanitarian service, administration and politics. Whether viewed as an academic, philanthropist, administrator or politician, he has remained an active participant in public life.

In Nigeria and Nasarawa complex political environment, where experience, relationships, grassroots networks and the ability to manage diverse interests often determine the strength of acceptability, good governance, the saddle of overturning the political position places Rt Hon Jonathan Gaza at the heart of the Labour party’s preparations for the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa State.

From Political Expectations to Public Service When Rt Hon. Jonathan Gaza was elected to represent the people of Nasarawa West in the House of Representatives, reactions were mixed. Some political observers considered his election as the modest when weighed against his previous political standing, while others saw it as another opportunity for him to contribute directly to the development of the state..

Gaza, however, embraced the responsibility and continued his public service anchored on service to the people, grassroots development, empowermennts drives, integration of diverse interest groups irrespective of political, religious and ethnic inclinations leaving no one in doubt about his capability.

His role in the state government has enabled him to participate in efforts aimed at strengthening educational development in Nasarawa State. His supporters point to his policy engagement, administrative experience and commitment as important aspects of his contribution to the upliftment of the people especially in the rural areas.

His emergence as the 2027 Governorship candidate now presents a different and perhaps more politically demanding responsibility, throw more challenges on the people of Nasarawa state to come to terms with the reality on ground to consolidate on the existing structures, engage stakeholders, harmonise competing interests and help drive the strategy that will take the Labour party governorship candidate and his running mate to communities across the state.

Why the election of Jonathan Gaza Matters

His candidacy is particularly significant given his roots in Nasarawa West senatorial district that remains crucial to the political rallying point, determinant and calculations ahead of 2027.

In view of the combined leadership experience of Jonathan Gaza, Alhaji Adamu Ninga from both the West and Northern zone of the coupled with their familiarity with the political terrain and actors in the three district could prove useful as the LP seeks to consolidate support across West, North, and Southern zones.

The political dynamics of the 2019, 2023 general elections demonstrated that no serious campaign can afford to take any part of the state for granted. The road to 2027 will therefore require extensive consultation and engagement with party leaders, elected officials, traditional and community leaders, youth and women groups, grassroots supporters and other stakeholders.

As Rt Hon. Jonathan and his running mate, Alhaji Adamu Ninga will be expected to work closely with the campaign council, stakeholders , leadership to coordinate all the interests groups while communicating the achievements, policies and future plans of the administration to the electorate.

It is an assignment that will demand strategic thinking, patience, effective communication and considerable political diplomacy.

Equally important will be the management of relationships across generations and political tendencies within the party. Elders, youths, elected representatives, community leaders and grassroots organisers must see themselves as stakeholders in the project if the campaign is to operate as a cohesive political organisation.

A Reputation Built on Relationships

One quality frequently attributed to Rt. Hon Jonathan Gaza and his running mate Alhaji Adamu Ninga is the ability of the two figures to build and sustain relationships across different segments of society. Politics thrives on relationships, consultation and the capacity to bring people together around a common objective. These attributes will be particularly important in the task of winning the 2027 governorship assignment.

His background in politics, academia and public administration gives him a foundation from which to engage diverse interests. But no campaign succeeds on the strength of one individual alone.

The effectiveness of the party and candidate will depend on the collective commitment of its members, cooperation among party leaders and the ability of its structures to function effectively from the state level down to the wards and polling units.

The LP leadership in Nasarawa State, under Rt Hon. Gaza will therefore remain an important component of the political framework within which the campaign council operates.

Similarly, the governorship candidate must inevitably be at the centre of the campaign narrative, as its achievements, ongoing programmes and priorities are presented to the electorate.

The responsibility before Rt Hon Jonathan Gaza, party officials, stakeholders and supporters is, therefore, a collective one. It will require synergy among the campaign council, party leadership, and grassroots structures.

The Road to 2027

With political preparations gradually gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Jonathan Gaza candidacy signals the LP intention to begin organising early for the contest ahead. it provides another opportunity to demonstrate organisational capacity and political experience in a role that will inevitably attract considerable public scrutiny.