Protest Over Nomination of PDP Chairmanship Candidate for Gassol

·         Chairman, Commissioner Can't Come From Gassol II

A coalition of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) support groups from Gassol I has protested against moves to zone the party's chairmanship ticket for the forthcoming local government elections to Gassol II, describing the decision as unfair, unjust, and politically dangerous for the party.

In a petition addressed to Governor Agbu Kefas and made available to journalists in Jalingo, the coalition said the zoning arrangement being pushed by some stakeholders amounted to the marginalization of Gassol I, despite its historical role as the PDP's electoral stronghold in the local government area.

The petition  was signed by the Coalition of Gassol I PDP Support Groups including Goje Okacha; Musa Ilu; Mal Habibu Yusuf; Com Zanna Garba among others

According to the group, the unwritten zoning understanding in Gassol provides that if the commissioner is from Gassol II, the chairmanship seat should go to Gassol I. With the current commissioner already from Gassol II, they argued that ceding the chairmanship to the same zone would amount to a breach of balance and a "deliberate attempt to cause disunity among party faithfuls."

The coalition further stressed that the bulk of votes that have consistently secured victory for the PDP in Gassol come from Gassol I, noting with concern that the zone is now being denied the only political office available to it.

They also warned that ceding the chairmanship to Gassol II would play into the hands of the opposition, pointing out that the area is home to prominent opposition leaders, including Senator Abubakar Umar Tutare and Professor Sani Mohammed Yahaya, both of whom are believed to be eyeing the 2027 elections.

"Gassol II already has the Senator, a member of the State Assembly, several special advisers, and the commissioner, while Gassol I only has the House of Representatives member. If the chairmanship is also given to Gassol II, Gassol I will be left with virtually no stake in governance. This is both unfair and politically dangerous," the petition read in part.

The groups cautioned that PDP has historically struggled in Gassol II, while Gassol I has consistently delivered overwhelming support. Neglecting Gassol I at this crucial time, they warned, would alienate loyal supporters, weaken party structures, and erode the PDP's winning advantage in the coming elections.

The coalition, while pledging loyalty to Governor Kefas and the PDP, appealed to the governor to intervene and ensure fairness by retaining the chairmanship seat for Gassol I.

"We respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to use your good office to ensure justice, fairness, and equity by retaining the chairmanship seat for Gassol I. Doing so will not only sustain the trust of our people but also guarantee the PDP's continued strength and dominance in Gassol LGA," the petition concluded.