A coalition of youths from the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam (PKK) Federal Constituency in Plateau State has rejected any move to retain the House of Representatives seat in Kanam Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the existing zoning arrangement must be respected.
The position was announced on April 17, 2026, after a large bi-partisan youth rally held in Pankshin. The gathering attracted a wide range of stakeholders and young people, many of whom carried placards calling for equity, fairness, and justice in political representation.
Operating under the Coalition of Pankshin-Kanke Native Youth, the group issued a communiqué titled “The Pankshin Declaration.”
The document, signed by Rotshak Golmut on behalf of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, explained that the meeting became necessary to protect the long-standing rotational arrangement among Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam local government areas.
According to the coalition, the zoning system has historically promoted balance and unity within the constituency.The youths expressed concern that Kanam LGA, which currently holds the seat, has already enjoyed extended representation.
They argued that allowing Kanam to continue beyond 2027 would upset the established balance and create an unfair advantage over Pankshin and Kanke.
They also warned that any attempt by political parties or interest groups to ignore the zoning formula could lead to political backlash, including withdrawal of support and active opposition during the elections.
Reaffirming their stance, the coalition described the zoning principle as “non-negotiable,” stressing that the House of Representatives seat should rotate to either Pankshin or Kanke in 2027 to maintain equity and peaceful coexistence.The group called on political parties to zone their tickets accordingly and present candidates from the two eligible local government areas.
They added that only aspirants with proven competence, integrity, and youth-focused agendas would receive their backing.To boost civic participation, the youths encouraged eligible voters across the constituency to update their details through the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
They also appealed to youths in Kanam to support the zoning tradition in the interest of unity, warning that disregarding the arrangement could deepen divisions within the constituency.
The communiqué concluded with a call on political stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, and residents of the PKK Federal Constituency to embrace fairness and justice in order to sustain peace and collective progress.
