Dr. Danjuma Sanda, a medical doctor and former Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, has pledged to make peace, security and sustainable development central to his legislative agenda if elected to represent the Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
Sanda made the pledge on Saturday in Jos while speaking to journalist on his candidature for the House of Representatives seat on the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP).
At the press conference, held at the Bishop Court, Jos, Sanda unveiled his campaign manifesto, outlining plans to improve representation, strengthen security, promote economic opportunities and address infrastructural and environmental challenges confronting the constituency.
He said his decision to contest followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and was driven by the desire to provide effective representation while ensuring that the genuine interests and aspirations of the people of Bassa/Jos North are adequately presented at the national level.
According to Sanda, the constituency requires a representative capable of effectively articulating, negotiating and defending the interests of its people and Plateau State before the Federal Government and its agencies.
He said his legislative priorities would include peace and security, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, healthcare, education and environmental restoration.
Peace and Security
Sanda said he would work with traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders and relevant government agencies to promote peace and strengthen security across the constituency.
He expressed concern over the destruction caused by years of violence in parts of Bassa/Jos North, promising to support a comprehensive programme of reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation.
“As I lament the colossal destruction caused by years of bloodshed in some parts of Bassa/Jos North, I promise to liaise with relevant stakeholders to initiate and support a comprehensive policy of reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation aimed at healing wounds, restoring mutual confidence and resuscitating development,” he said.
He stressed that lasting peace must involve the people directly affected by conflict.
“I have always maintained that we cannot negotiate peace for the people; we must negotiate peace with them, by first identifying and addressing what went wrong in the first place,” Sanda stated.
The YPP candidate also challenged the perception that youth unemployment is the fundamental cause of violence, arguing that conflicts themselves frequently destroy businesses, homes and sources of livelihood, thereby worsening unemployment.
He called for greater investment in productive ventures that can improve livelihoods and strengthen communities rather than resources being diverted towards acquiring weapons.
Development and Economic Opportunities
Sanda pledged to pursue federal interventions aimed at addressing infrastructural deficits in Bassa/Jos North.
He said he would lobby for the rehabilitation and upgrading of rural and urban roads, as well as improvements in primary healthcare delivery across the constituency.
He also promised to promote economic opportunities for youths and women through digital skills acquisition, agricultural support and entrepreneurship development.
On education, Sanda said he would work with local and international non-governmental organisations to support the upgrading of educational facilities and promote technology-driven learning opportunities for young people.
Environmental Concerns
The former Jos North council chairman also raised concerns over the ecological damage caused by decades of mining activities in Plateau State, particularly across Bassa/Jos North.
He identified abandoned mining ponds, loss of farmlands and other forms of environmental degradation as issues requiring urgent attention.
Sanda pledged to advocate for proper assessment of the environmental and health consequences of mining activities, as well as remediation and compensation where justified.
“There are several abandoned mining ponds scattered across Bassa/Jos North, in addition to the extensive loss of farmlands and other environmental resources. There are also concerns about the long-term environmental and health implications associated with mining activities. Our people deserve a better deal,” he said.
Open-Door Representation
Sanda further promised to maintain an open-door approach to representation through regular town hall meetings and grassroots consultations.
He said the engagements would enable constituents to participate directly in determining legislative priorities and decisions affecting their communities.
The YPP candidate said his aspiration was anchored on effective representation, accountability and sustainable development, promising to serve with integrity, vision and dedication if elected.
He expressed confidence in his chances ahead of the 2027 election and called for the support of constituents, stakeholders and the media as he begins his campaign for the Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency seat. 