Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State, Sunday Garba Biggs, has pledged to serve only one four-year term if elected in 2027, declaring that he would respect the state’s long-standing zoning arrangement and complete only the remaining tenure allotted to the Central Senatorial Zone.
Biggs made the declaration during a media interaction in Jos shortly after emerging as the PDP governorship flagbearer.
Addressing concerns over the sensitive issue of zoning in Plateau politics, the former Permanent Secretary in the Government House said he was committed to preserving the power-sharing arrangement, which he described as a stabilising factor in the state’s political system.
“On my honour, I am making this declaration: if given the mandate and the opportunity, I will serve out only the remaining four years allotted to the Central Zone of Plateau State, which is presently in Mangu,” he said.
According to him, the Central Zone had entrusted Mangu Local Government Area with the opportunity to complete its turn in the governorship rotation, adding that he had no intention of disrupting the arrangement.
“We thank our brothers and sisters in the Central Zone for giving us this opportunity, and for yet another chance to complete what is remaining,” he stated.
Biggs said the zoning principle remains one of the few issues that unite Plateau people across political, ethnic and religious divides, noting that attempts to undermine the arrangement had often been resisted by the electorate.
“The guiding principle is simple. When you look at the issue of zoning in Plateau State, which is very sensitive and highly respected by the people, you will realise that whenever anyone attempts to go against the zoning arrangement, Plateau people unite and speak with one voice.
“That is one of the few issues that truly unite Plateau people,” he said.
The PDP candidate further argued that respecting zoning would help maintain political stability and strengthen trust among the various constituent groups in the state.
“I believe zoning brings stability to the political system in Plateau State. Therefore, anyone who desires a stable political environment in Plateau must be willing to preserve it,” he added.
Biggs also said his decision was informed by how he wished to be remembered after leaving public office.
“As an individual, I also have a life to live after leaving office. What would I want to be remembered for? Would I want to be remembered as the person who came and disrupted the zoning arrangement, or as someone who respected and upheld the principle of zoning?” he asked.
The former civil servant dismissed suggestions that political power could influence him to seek a longer stay in office if elected, insisting that his years within government had exposed him sufficiently to the realities of power.
“Power can be intoxicating, but I am not a stranger to power. I have been within power circles, I have been around power, and I understand what power is. Definitely, it cannot intoxicate me, regardless of the quantity one may consume,” he said.
Biggs, who previously contested for governor under the All Progressives Congress (APC) before defecting to the PDP, is seeking to lead the opposition party into the 2027 governorship election in Plateau State.
