A veteran journalist and public affairs analyst in Nigeria, Mr Ahmed Tukur, has called for the allocation of three additional seats in the House of Representatives to Nasarawa State as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Speaking with journalists in Lafia, the state capital, Mr Tukur argued that the proposed constituencies—Karu, Nasarawa Eggon, and Lafia—would ensure balanced representation and equitable resource distribution in the North Central region, particularly given the population growth in the areas.
He stated that Karu alone has a population of over three million people and deserves its own federal constituency.
“Karu Local Government alone has a population of over three million people, which deserves a seat at the House of Representatives,” he said. “Also, Lafia, the state capital, now has over 1.5 million people and is witnessing massive development. Nasarawa Eggon, the largest local government area, mostly populated by farmers, should also get one.”
Mr Tukur said the current five federal constituencies in the state are no longer adequate to reflect demographic changes. He proposed that adding one seat each for Karu, Nasarawa Eggon, and Lafia would increase Nasarawa’s total House of Representatives seats to eight, thereby bringing more dividends of democracy to the people.
Citing constitutional backing, he said, “Sections 71 and 72 of the Constitution stipulate that every ten years there should be a delimitation of constituencies, and Nasarawa State is due, considering its population—especially in Karu, Nasarawa Eggon, and Lafia.”
He noted the sharp rise in population in Karu, partly due to its proximity to Abuja.
“You don’t need to be told that Karu has become a substitute for Abuja. Most low-income earners working in the capital reside there. Being the closest local government to the Federal Capital Territory, it is witnessing serious population growth—enough to merit an additional constituency,” he said.
Mr Tukur outlined the current representation structure, which includes Lafia/Obi; Keana/Awe/Doma in Nasarawa South; and Nasarawa Eggon/Akwanga/Wamba in Nasarawa North. Kokona/Keffi/Karu, as well as Nasarawa/Toto, also share one seat each.
He appealed to citizens of the state to support the demand.
“I hope every citizen of Nasarawa State will support this move,” he said. “The state’s population is now comparable to that of the entire South East, and Lafia has become the centre of activities in the North Central.”
PIAK