Youth groups from Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State have called for the Plateau Central senatorial seat to be zoned to the area ahead of the 2027 general elections, even as they declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for second terms.
The demand was made during an endorsement gathering organised by the Coalition of Kanam Ethnic Youths Nationalities at the Multi-purpose Conference Centre in Dengi, headquarters of the local government.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Sadiq Kwaltommai and Mustapha Bayuma said the position followed consultations across the 20 wards of Kanam LGA, adding that the youths resolved to push for political equity in the zone.
They argued that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Kanam remains the only local government in Plateau Central that has not produced a senator, despite its voting strength.
“With over 132,000 registered voters, placing us second in the zone, we insist that 2027 must be the turn of Kanam.
“We therefore endorse Hon. Ephraim Usman as our candidate for the Plateau Central senatorial seat. Equity and fairness demand that power rotates to give every part of the zone a sense of belonging.”
The coalition noted that other local governments in the district, including Mangu, Bokkos, Pankshin and Kanke, had previously produced senators, stressing that it was now appropriate for power to rotate to Kanam.
The group also announced its support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing the administration’s economic reforms, increased allocations to states and ongoing infrastructure projects.
“After careful review of national leadership since May 29, 2023, we declare our total support and endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027. Our endorsement is based on the Renewed Hope Agenda, which we believe is steadily stabilising the economy, confronting insecurity and delivering critical infrastructure nationwide.”
On Governor Mutfwang, the coalition said its endorsement was based on what it described as visible development projects in Kanam LGA.
“Our endorsement is earned, not given. We have witnessed the commencement of rehabilitation works on key roads, improvements in educational facilities, upgrades at the General Hospital in Dengi, supply of drugs to primary healthcare centres and distribution of farm inputs to farmers.
“These interventions have brought visible relief to our people, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture and road infrastructure.”
Earlier, the Leader of the Kanam Legislative Arm, Hon. Duba-Allahyafi Samson, supported the call for zoning, stressing that equitable distribution of political offices would promote unity and fairness in the senatorial district.
“Equity demands that Kanam be considered for the senatorial seat. Other areas have held federal legislative positions consecutively, and it is only fair that the slot rotates in the interest of balance and inclusion.”
The youths also congratulated Professor Nentawe Yilwatda on his emergence as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, describing it as a positive development for Plateau State.
