Youth under the auspices of the Coalition of Pankshin-Kanke Native Youth in Plateau State have reaffirmed their unwavering support for the sustenance of the existing zoning arrangement for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal House of Representatives seat across the three Local Government Areas of the constituency.
The Coalition described the zoning formula as the only viable framework for collective progress, unity, and peaceful coexistence, stressing that it remains “non-negotiable.”
In a communiqué issued at the end of a strategic meeting, the group stated that the House of Representatives seat, currently occupied by a representative from Kanam Local Government Area, must rotate to either Pankshin or Kanke Local Government Areas in the 2027 general elections, in line with the long-standing rotational principle.
Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, Roshak Golmut noted that youths from Pankshin and Kanke LGAs convened to deliberate on critical political developments within the constituency. He explained that the meeting was necessitated by the need to uphold the principles of equity, fairness, and justice, which have historically sustained harmony in the Federal Constituency.
Following extensive deliberations, the assembly observed that the constituency has maintained a well-established tradition of rotational representation among the three LGAs since the return to democracy in 1999, a system credited with preventing political tension and ensuring balanced representation.
The communiqué highlighted that the current representation from Kanam LGA would amount to twelve (12) years by 2027, compared to eight (8) years each previously held by Pankshin and Kanke LGAs. It warned that allowing Kanam to retain the seat for another term would extend its tenure to sixteen (16) years, creating an imbalance when compared to the combined years of representation by Pankshin and Kanke.
The Coalition also provided a historical breakdown of representation in the constituency:
Hon. Josiah Yunana Gobum (Kanke LGA) – 1999–2003
Rev. Musa Labar Wuyep (Kanam LGA) – 2003–2007
Hon. Leonard Dilkon (Pankshin LGA) – 2007–2011
Dr. Timothy Golu (Kanke LGA) – 2011–2019
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (Kanam LGA) – 2019–present
The group cautioned that any attempt to undermine the zoning arrangement could threaten the unity and peaceful coexistence of the constituency. It warned that such actions would be strongly resisted through democratic means, including withdrawal of political support from non-compliant parties or candidates.
“This is not a threat; it is a commitment to preserving our collective interest,” the communiqué stated.
The Coalition further urged eligible youths across the constituency to take advantage of the INEC Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by updating their voter records in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Reaffirming its position, the group declared that it would only support and mobilize for candidates from the designated LGAs who demonstrate competence, integrity, and a youth-focused agenda.
It also called on youths from Kanam LGA to support the zoning principle in the interest of unity, warning that failure to do so could compel a shift toward a more competitive political approach.
The communiqué emphasized that the current stance is driven by a commitment to peace, equity, and justice, and called on political stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, as well as all sons and daughters of the constituency, to embrace the resolution in good faith.
“Our struggle is for a just and equitable PKK, where every community feels a sense of belonging and fairness,” the statement concluded.