Peace, Stability: Scholars commend Enugu governorship zoning system in new book

Enugu, Nigeria — Four Enugu-based scholars have praised the continuation of the governorship zoning arrangement in Enugu State, describing it as a key factor behind political stability and relative peace in the state since 1999.

The scholars made the remarks at a pre-unveiling press briefing on a new book titled “Zoning of Governorship Position in Enugu State: Evolution, Practice and Convention (1999–2023)”, scheduled for public presentation in Enugu.

The co-authors — Dr Uchenna Anioke, Dr Ambrose Igboke, Mr Clinton Umeh, and Dr Chikezie Obasi, said the publication was aimed at providing a research-based examination of the zoning principle, which has shaped the state’s political landscape over the past two decades.

According to them, the book draws from archival records, interviews with political actors, and historical accounts to document the evolution and application of zoning in Enugu politics.

Dr Anioke said the 2023 governorship election, which reignited debates over zoning, was a major motivation for the work. He argued that despite controversies, many stakeholders interviewed for the study acknowledged that the arrangement had helped maintain balance among the state’s political blocs.

He traced the origins of zoning to what he described as a “triangular equilibrium” among the old Enugu, Nsukka, and Abakaliki divisions, which later evolved into a senatorial district-based understanding of power rotation.

Dr Igboke said the work situates zoning within the framework of equity among senatorial districts rather than cultural considerations, adding that the study relied on verifiable historical records and interviews with key political actors.

Mr Clinton Umeh highlighted early political negotiations in the return to democratic rule in 1999, noting that discussions among prominent political figures at the time helped shape the emergence of the state’s first governor in the Fourth Republic. He also pointed to the influence of zoning on other political offices, including deputy governor and speaker of the House of Assembly.

Dr Obasi said the zoning arrangement had reduced political tension and post-election disputes in the state, arguing that it has contributed to continuity and stability across election cycles.

The authors expressed optimism that the book would deepen academic and public understanding of Enugu’s political structure and help sustain consensus around power rotation in future elections.