DENGI, Plateau State — A coalition of youth groups in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State has called for the zoning of the Plateau Central senatorial seat to the area ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing what it described as longstanding political marginalisation.
The group, operating under the Coalition of Kanam Ethnic Youths Nationalities, made the demand on Tuesday during a gathering in Dengi, the headquarters of the local government.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its leaders, Sadiq Kwaltommai and Mustapha Bayuma, said Kanam remains the only local government area in the senatorial district that has not produced a senator since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
“With over 132,000 registered voters, placing us among the largest voting blocs in the zone, we believe equity and fairness demand that the 2027 senatorial seat be zoned to Kanam,” the group said
The coalition also endorsed Hon. Ephraim Usman as its preferred candidate for the seat.
In addition to the senatorial demand, the group declared support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Caleb Mutfwang in 2027.
The youths said their position followed consultations across the 20 wards in the local government area.
They said their endorsement of President Tinubu was based on what they described as efforts by his administration to address economic and security challenges, as well as ongoing infrastructure projects.
On Governor Mutfwang, the group cited projects it said include road rehabilitation works, improvements in schools, upgrades to healthcare facilities, and support for farmers in the area.
A member of the Kanam Legislative Council, Duba-Allahyafi Samson, also backed the call for rotational representation, saying other local government areas in the district should support Kanam’s bid for the Senate seat.
He noted that some areas had held elective positions for multiple terms and called for a more equitable distribution of political offices within the zone.
Plateau Central Senatorial District comprises several local government areas, including Mangu, Bokkos, Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam.
