By: Musa Jameel Toto
A frontline House of Representatives aspirant for Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency, Hon. Auwal Mahmud, has appealed to youths, elders, traditional rulers, women, and political stakeholders across the constituency to unite in defense of the existing rotational arrangement between Toto and Nasarawa Local Government Areas.
Hon. Auwal who made the call while addressing Members of the Uma’asha Forum and the wider Uma’asha community, described the forthcoming election as a defining moment for the political future of Toto Local Government and the preservation of fairness, justice, and mutual understanding within the constituency.
Hon. Mahmud commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for providing a level playing ground for all aspirants contesting the House of Representatives seat, noting that the Governor has not imposed any candidate but has instead assured all contestants of transparency and justice.
“We are grateful to His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule, for allowing everyone the freedom to contest and seek support across the Constituency. His Excellency has assured us that justice will prevail, and we appreciate his commitment to fairness,” he stated.
The aspirant stressed that his ambition is beyond personal interest, describing it as a collective struggle aimed at protecting the long-standing zoning understanding between Nasarawa and Toto LGAs.
According to him, the rotational arrangement remains the foundation of political balance and peaceful coexistence within the federal constituency.
“If Toto Local Government serves today, Nasarawa Local Government should serve next. When Nasarawa finishes its turn, Toto takes over again. That understanding must not be destroyed,” Mahmud explained.
Hon. Mahmud also reacted to arguments suggesting that Toto should relinquish the House of Representatives seat because the Senate ticket was given to Toto extraction, insisting that both positions are separate political arrangements and should not affect the zoning principle guiding the House of Representatives seat.
He revealed that several respected stakeholders from Nasarawa Local Government had privately acknowledged the importance of preserving the arrangement, warning that abandoning it could permanently weaken Toto’s future political chances.
“If we allow this arrangement to collapse today, nobody from Toto will ever be able to speak about zoning or rotation again. We must not create such a dangerous precedent,” he warned.
Calling for total mobilization ahead of the election scheduled for Friday, the 15th, Hon. Auwal Mahmud urged indigenes residing in Abuja, Lafia, Keffi, Kaduna, Kano, and other parts of the country to return home and participate actively in the electoral process.
“This is not just about Auwal Mahmud. It is about protecting the political future of our land and ensuring justice for our people,” he said.
The aspirant further assured constituents that his years of experience and long-standing involvement within the National Assembly since 2011 have prepared him to effectively represent the constituency and attract meaningful developmental projects.
“I understand how the National Assembly works. I have the experience, the exposure, and the connections needed to deliver impactful representation for Nasarawa/Toto Federal Constituency,” he added.
Hon. Auwal Mahmud concluded by calling for peaceful participation throughout the election period and prayed for unity, success, and progress for the people of the constituency.
“May Allah guide us, protect our people, and grant us victory through peaceful and transparent elections,” he concluded.
