The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jema’a Local Government Area, Nathaniel Bawa, is advocating for a significant change in the party’s leadership dynamics at the state level. He has called upon stakeholders to allocate the state party Chairmanship position to the local government, emphasizing the need for equitable distribution of roles and responsibilities within the party.
Speaking to journalists during the one-year anniversary celebration of the member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency in Kafanchan, Nathaniel Bawa expressed deep concern over what he perceives as marginalization of Jema’a LG within the PDP’s hierarchy. Despite the local government’s long-standing sacrifices and contributions to the party’s growth, he lamented the absence of representation in key positions over the years.
“For the past 21 years, Jema’a Local Government has not had a working committee member, while all the other seven LGAs have held prominent positions at various times, including at the national level,” Bawa remarked. This disparity, he argued, underscores the need for fairer representation and inclusion within the party’s decision-making processes.
He recounted a pivotal moment during the 2020 Congress when the Kaduna South senatorial District caucus convened in Kagoro. At this gathering, Jema’a LG advocated strongly to produce the next zonal Chairman, citing its status as the zone’s headquarters and its substantial contributions to the party’s electoral victories. “Since 2003, we have not had a working committee member despite our significant contributions,” Bawa emphasized.
During the caucus meeting, chaired by former Deputy Governor Nuhu Bajoga and with Simon Arabo as Secretary, a consensus seemed to emerge in support of Jema’a’s plea. “The caucus agreed with Jema’a’s position but requested that the zoning be upheld for that occasion, promising Jema’a the first right of refusal in subsequent allocations,” Bawa recalled, noting the importance of documenting these decisions for clarity.
Bawa stressed the importance of honoring the caucus’s commitments by urging all stakeholders in the zone to allocate the Chairmanship seat to Jema’a LG. “It is only fair that the Chairmanship position be zoned to Jema’a to promote mutual respect and foster unity within the party ranks,” he asserted. He highlighted Jema’a Local Government’s unwavering loyalty and support for the PDP, noting the community’s readiness to extend further efforts in backing the party’s initiatives.
Nathaniel Bawa’s call for equitable representation within the PDP at the state level reflects broader aspirations for fairness and inclusivity in political processes. His advocacy seeks to rectify historical inequities and ensure that all local governments within the party’s fold are adequately recognized and empowered. As the PDP navigates its internal dynamics, the decision on zoning the state Chairmanship position to Jema’a LG holds significant implications for fostering unity and strengthening party cohesion. It remains to be seen how stakeholders will respond to Bawa’s appeal and whether his efforts will lead to tangible changes in leadership dynamics within the party.