A prominent community stakeholder, Da Sam Odeh, has officially declared his intention to contest for the Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Odeh will be seeking the ticket under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement released on Thursday, the aspirant disclosed that his decision to join the race is born out of an urgent need to restore hope, foster unity, ensure inclusive governance, and drive sustainable development across the constituency.
Campaigning under the theme “Project: One People. New Direction,” Odeh described his declaration as a definitive call for a new era of leadership aimed at healing existing divisions and providing purposeful representation at the National Assembly.
“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,” the statement read.
Addressing the Challenges
Identifying as an “original Jos-born citizen,” Odeh emphasized that his upbringing within the locality gives him a firsthand understanding of the daily realities and struggles facing the people.
He lamented that Bassa/Jos North has suffered for years from deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions, insecurity, high youth unemployment, infrastructural deficits, and what he termed “unaccountable representation.”
“For too long, our constituency has endured deep-seated challenges that have held back our collective progress,”
Odeh noted, pointing out that inadequate access to quality education, substandard healthcare, and the systematic exclusion of women and young people from governance remain pressing issues requiring immediate intervention.
The Vision for Bassa/Jos North
If elected, the NDC aspirant promised to champion policies that prioritize peacebuilding, economic empowerment, infrastructural growth, and accessible healthcare and education across all wards.
He outlined the core pillars of his legislative agenda, which include:
- Inclusive Governance: Upholding an open-door policy rooted in genuine grassroots engagement and active listening.
- Reconciliation: Leading deliberate efforts to heal communal fractures and promote unity across ethnic and religious lines.
- Empowerment: Launching robust skills development and entrepreneurship support programs specifically targeting youths and women.
Odeh stressed that balanced development is non-negotiable, asserting that opportunities must be distributed equally regardless of a constituent’s background.
“The future of Bassa/Jos North can only be secured when every citizen feels seen, heard, and carried along,” he added.
As political alignments begin to shape up for the 2027 cycle, Odeh called on elders, youths, women, professionals, artisans, and community leaders within the constituency to unite and support his movement, describing it as a defining moment for the collective future of Bassa/Jos North.