Da Sam Odeh has officially declared his interest to contest for the position of Member, House of Representatives, representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in the 2027 General Elections under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement issued on Thursday, Odeh said his ambition was driven by the need to restore hope, unity, inclusive governance, and development across the constituency.
Speaking under the campaign theme, “Project: One People. New Direction,” the aspirant described the declaration as a call for a new era of leadership focused on healing divisions and promoting purposeful representation.
“I officially declare my interest to contest for the position of Member, House of Representatives, to represent the good people of Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in the 2027 General Elections,” he stated.
Odeh, who described himself as an original Jos-born citizen, said he understands the realities and struggles facing communities within the constituency, having grown up among the people.
According to him, Bassa/Jos North has suffered years of ethnic and religious divisions, insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and what he termed unaccountable representation.
“For too long, our constituency has endured deep-seated challenges that have held back our collective progress,” he said.
He identified inadequate access to education and healthcare, insecurity, youth unemployment, and exclusion of women and young people from governance as some of the pressing concerns needing urgent attention.
The aspirant promised to pursue policies that would promote peace, economic empowerment, quality healthcare, education, and infrastructure development across all wards if elected.
“A leadership that listens; genuine grassroots engagement and open-door governance,” he said, is one of the key principles his administration would uphold.
Odeh also pledged to champion reconciliation among communities and create opportunities for youths and women through skills development, entrepreneurship support, and inclusive representation.
He further emphasized the need for balanced development and equal opportunities, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political background.
“The future of Bassa/Jos North can only be secured when every citizen feels seen, heard, and carried along,” he added.
Calling on residents of the constituency to support the movement, Odeh urged youths, elders, women, professionals, artisans, and community leaders to unite behind what he described as a defining moment for the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Seriake Dickson, says he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, offered Aisha Yesufu a House of Representatives ticket, but she turned it down.
Dickson made this disclosure while speaking at the party’s stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.
This comes following the recent internal political wranglings within the party.
Recall that Yesufu in a post on her verified X handle on Thursday said Dickson seems to be fighting a war no one is waging against him.
“Now, talking about the FCT, do you know that Peter Obi and I offered Aisha Yesufu a House of Representatives ticket, but she turned it down?
“House of Representatives that people are fighting for, she said she’s too big for it,” he said.
The District Head of Miango in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Daniel Chega, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to approve the immediate release of compensation funds for lands acquired for the establishment of Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, home to the 3rd Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army.
Chega made the appeal while addressing youths, widows, orphans and other stakeholders affected by the acquisition on Friday in Miango District in Bassa LGA of the State.
The paramount ruler decried decades of delay and lack of adequate response by the Federal Government since the land was acquired in 1972.
According to the traditional ruler, “the prolonged delay in compensation payment has continued to inflict hardship on affected families who lost farmlands and sources of livelihood following the acquisition.
He disclosed that, “a joint assessment of affected properties and farmlands had earlier been conducted by officials of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the Ministry of Defence, the Plateau State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Town Planning, alongside consultants, and the report had already been submitted to the Ministry of Defence.
Chega said despite repeated follow-up visits and reminders to relevant government agencies, including the Ministries of Defence and Works and Housing, “no payment has been made and no clear timeline communicated.”
“My people have demonstrated patience, understanding and cooperation over the years, but the prolonged delay has created severe economic hardship and is beginning to threaten peace and stability within the affected communities,” he said.
The monarch further revealed that in search of a resolution, he led representatives of the community on a courtesy visit to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, who sympathised with their situation and assured them of efforts towards addressing the matter.”
He also called on the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs and the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, to “intervene urgently to facilitate compensation payment and ensure justice for the affected communities.”
While reaffirming the community’s support for government policies and development initiatives, Chief Chega stressed that, “many families remain displaced and without sustainable means of livelihood as a result of the land acquisition.”
He maintained that the demand for compensation was legitimate and expressed hope that the current administration would act swiftly to provide relief and restore confidence among affected residents.