Enugu Stakeholders Credit Zoning System for Two Decades of Political Stability

Stakeholders in Enugu State have said the zoning of the governorship position among the state’s three senatorial districts has been a key factor in sustaining political stability, inclusiveness and relative peace since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.

They made the observation on Thursday at the public presentation of a book titled Zoning of Governorship Position in Enugu State: Evolution, Practice and Convention (1999–2023) held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

The book, authored by media professionals and public analysts Dr Uchenna Anioke, Dr Ambrose Igboke, Mr Clinton Umeh and Dr Chikezie Obasi, examines how the rotational arrangement between Enugu East, Enugu West and Enugu North senatorial zones has shaped political transitions in the state.

Speaking at the event, the former Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Lawrence Agubuzu, said the zoning arrangement had helped to reduce political tension and fostered a sense of fairness among the three districts.

He said the practice, though unwritten, had become a stabilising political convention in the state since 1999.

“Enugu State has three senatorial districts, and since the return to democracy, the governorship has rotated among them. This has helped to maintain peace and balance,” he said.

He added that the arrangement had become widely accepted and was often cited as a model for managing political competition in the country.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Malachy Agbo, who represented Governor Peter Mbah, also commended the zoning arrangement, describing it as a contributor to political stability and continuity in governance.

He praised former governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for ensuring a smooth transition of power from Enugu North to Enugu East in line with the political understanding within the state.

Former Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, represented by a political associate, Mr Chukwunonye Okereke, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had played a central role in sustaining the zoning principle in Enugu politics.

He said the arrangement had enabled equitable access to power across the three senatorial districts between 1999 and 2023, while stressing that all qualified citizens still retain the constitutional right to contest for office.

Also speaking, former governor Sullivan Chime, represented by Chief Nnanna Atuonwu, described zoning as an “unwritten convention” that had nonetheless functioned effectively in maintaining political balance in the state.

Reviewing the book, Dr Chinedu Onu of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, described the publication as a timely academic contribution to the study of power-sharing and political stability in Enugu State.

He said the authors provided a detailed historical account of how the zoning arrangement evolved and how it has influenced political transitions over the past two decades.

According to him, while the system is not backed by any formal constitutional provision, its acceptance has been driven by its perceived fairness and its role in reducing political conflict.

Dr Onu also noted that the book situates Enugu’s experience within Nigeria’s broader debate on federal character and power-sharing.

Earlier, Dr Uchenna Anioke, speaking on behalf of the co-authors, said the book was motivated by heated debates and misinformation that surrounded the 2023 governorship election in the state.

He said the authors conducted extensive research, interviews and archival work to present what they described as an objective account of the zoning system and its evolution.

“Our aim was to document the spirit of unity, fairness and mutual understanding that has shaped Enugu politics over the years,” he said.

He added that the work highlights the roles of political leaders, traditional institutions and other stakeholders in sustaining the rotational arrangement among the three senatorial zones.

The authors called for continued engagement and documentation of political practices that promote inclusion and stability in the state.