Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa State, Migili elite, mainly academics, have called for the inclusion of their ethnic group in the state’s top political echelon.
The group, under the aegis of Migili Academics, formally staked the tribe’s claim to the deputy governorship slot and unanimously endorsed Hon. Sonny Agassi Makama, director-general of the Nasarawa Geographic Information System (NAGIS), as its preferred candidate.
In a press document addressed to Governor Abdullahi Sule, the chairman of the group, Dr Usman Stephen, declared that the continued exclusion of his people from the top echelon of power negates the principles of equity and fairness. He urged the governor to change the narrative ahead of the next election.
The group said the Migili people, spread across Obi, Keana, Awe, Lafia, Doma and other local government areas, have paid their dues in the political development of the state and deserve a place in the power equation.
“The Migili people are an important part of the political, cultural and socio-economic fabric of Nasarawa State. We have contributed significantly to the peace, unity, development and democratic progress of the state. We have participated actively in elections and remain committed stakeholders in the future of Nasarawa State,” he stated.
The group disclosed that the Migili Nation commands an estimated voting strength of about 250,000 voters across the state, a figure they said makes it one of the most formidable and loyal voting blocs in Nasarawa politics.
“Despite our political contributions, many Migili people believe that the community has not yet received adequate representation at the highest levels of state political leadership. We are therefore not asking for a favour. We are asking for inclusion, fairness, recognition and an opportunity to contribute more directly to the development of our state,” they stated.
The Migili leader said the choice of Hon. Sonny Agassi Makama was deliberate and strategic, describing him as a departure from the old order of politics.
According to him, Makama embodies experience, innovation, accessibility and a strong commitment to economic development. He described him as a modern and innovative leader with a keen interest in revenue generation and economic advancement — qualities Nasarawa needs as it battles to boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and create employment.
“At a time when Nasarawa State requires innovative approaches to internally generated revenue, investment, employment creation and sustainable development, we believe that leaders with vision, competence and economic consciousness should be given the opportunity to serve,” the group said.
They argued that the office of Deputy Governor should not be a mere spare tyre but should complement the Governor’s vision, strengthen government programmes and build bridges among communities and political stakeholders.
“We believe Hon. Sonny Agassi Makama has the potential to make such a contribution,” they added.
They urged the Governor and all political stakeholders to consider three key factors as 2027 approaches: the Migili Nation, Hon. Sonny Agassi Makama, and the need for competence, innovation and inclusive representation.
“Our appeal is therefore simple: Consider the Migili Nation. Consider Hon. Sonny Agassi Makama. Consider competence, innovation, economic development and inclusive representation,” the leader declared.
