Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Nigerian judiciary has been cautioned to stay away from internal party affairs of political parties, as they cannot go to anybody’s home and claim ownership.
An aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) contesting the Jos/Bassa Federal House of Representatives seat, James Yakubu, disclosed this in an interview with journalists shortly after commissioning his campaign office at Tafawa Balewa in Jos North Local Government Area over the weekend.
While acknowledging that the founding fathers of that particular system know what is best for the institution, he said,
“So let us just allow the judiciary to stay off and let the system work. But I believe we are heading in a new direction. I believe Nigeria will begin to see transparency,” he said.
According to him, the opening of the office marked a new beginning. “It is a PDP family office, so all of us can have a place to work, harmonize, and do the things we need to do to project our aspirants, from the State Assembly, chairmanship, councillorship, senatorial, governorship, and others we will bring them on board.”
He said with God’s support, victory is possible. “But we must understand that if you go for four years, you return it after four years. That is why I am encouraged to come out now. If that understanding was not in place, I would not have bothered myself.”
Hon. Yakubu pointed out that Bassa has had its turn, adding that what happened to one of his close associates, Aga, was unfortunate.
He expressed concern that Aga, who was elected by the people, was removed by the system.
“The constituents of Jos/Bassa met and said this seat is still in Bassa. Let us look for somebody from Bassa. And we now have Asama doing it, with the support of PDP. Asama did not go there through the party; he actually lost in his party, but PDP brought him forward from Bassa,” he said.
According to him, the agreement and understanding among stakeholders should be respected.
“That is why we are appealing to Bassa to allow peace, because in everything you do, there will always be disagreements,” he stated.
Hon. Yakubu further explained that the primary election system would ultimately determine whether it is Jos North or Bassa that produces the candidate.
He said if elected, he would bring experience to bear, having lived abroad for over 30 years.
“My heart goes to everyone who has been bereaved. We have experienced so much killing and destruction, but we need leadership that will take the bull by the horn. We must not deceive ourselves,” he said.
The aspirant added that only a decisive approach can address the challenges facing the area. “That is part of what is driving my ambition to go to the National Assembly.”
He noted that his political journey dates back over two decades.
“I came out in 2003 to contest for the National Assembly, but we did not make it. In 2006/2007, I tried again under the PDP, and from then until now it has been about 17 years. I have decided to give it another shot for the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency,” he said.
He added that the zoning understanding between Jos North and Bassa remains important, and expressed confidence in the PDP structure.
“We are committed to the PDP. It is a structure we have always believed in, especially in the northern zone where our structures remain intact,” he said.
While reacting to defections from the PDP to the APC, he said grassroots members remained loyal. “We have nothing against anyone defecting. But we believe in loyalty. We wish them well because power comes from God alone.”
He called on Nigerians to support free, fair, and transparent elections, and urged INEC officials to act with integrity.
“Democracy is for the people, by the people, and for the people. The essence of contesting for positions is very important,” he said.
He further stated that credibility and antecedents remain key in leadership selection. “We are all vibrant individuals, but your record will speak for you.”
He expressed gratitude for what he described as growing support. “This is my third attempt, and I am grateful to God because I have always been victorious in my party primaries.”
Also speaking, a PDP member, Stephen Lawrence Bako from Basa Luka Gwame in Gurum Ward, said Yakubu had been a strong and active party member.
He said Yakubu’s aspiration had rekindled hope among supporters who had been discouraged by national political developments, expressing optimism that zoning might favour him.
“He is a consistent party member who can mobilize people. If given the mandate, he will deliver. No opposition party has won in the last five elections in this area, except through court processes,” he added.