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The Sam Odeh Campaign Headquarters wishes to sincerely appreciate the thousands of party members, supporters, and stakeholders across Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency who stood firm throughout the primary election process and demonstrated unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and party loyalty.
First and foremost, we wish to state that the events surrounding the primaries have further strengthened our confidence in the leadership capacity, courage, and resilience of our principal, Hon. Sam Odeh. His determination to challenge the dark era of ineffective representation and offer a new direction for our constituency remains a source of inspiration to many. Through every stage of the process, he displayed remarkable composure, conviction, and dedication to the cause of our people.
We also wish to express our profound appreciation to the State Chairman of our great party for listening to the collective voice of aspirants and stakeholders who raised concerns regarding the delegate-based format initially proposed for the primary election. His intervention reflected respect for the provisions of the Electoral Act and the democratic aspirations of party members, particularly as the law recognizes direct primaries and consensus arrangements. His responsiveness helped restore confidence in the process.
However, as an organization, we must express our displeasure regarding aspects of the conduct of the primaries. Party members, aspirants, and supporters assembled at the venue from as early as 9:00 a.m., only for proceedings to commence around 8:45 p.m. Subsequently, at approximately 9:25 p.m., participants were informed that direct primaries would be conducted in our constituency by 10:00 p.m because the decision of consensus was not reached.
Considering that Jos North was under a government-imposed curfew, all aspirants jointly appealed for a more practical arrangement, leading to the announcement that the exercise would commence by 6:00 a.m because of the sanitation exercise the following day. Our members and supporters were present at their designated locations across Bassa and Jos North from the appointed hour. Unfortunately, up until 9:00 a.m., no election officials had arrived, and no formal communication was provided to participants.
We acknowledge and appreciate the State Chairman’s intervention at this critical moment. Following his involvement, the primary process eventually proceeded. Based on the overwhelming turnout and support witnessed across the constituency, it was evident that our principal, Hon. Sam Odeh, enjoyed the confidence of the majority of party members. Nevertheless, in the interest of party unity and broader strategic considerations, a ‘PLACEHOLDER CANDIDATE’ was announced rather than going by the decision of the direct primaries.
We wish to categorically state that our confidence in Hon. Sam Odeh remains unshaken. Throughout the process, he demonstrated exceptional strength of character, refusing to succumb to pressures, inducements, or distractions. His conduct further affirmed his readiness and capacity to provide the quality representation our people deserve.
While we remain loyal and committed members of our great party, we are closely observing developments following the decision of announcing a placeholder in a contest for which aspirants legitimately purchased nomination forms and actively participated. We believe that fairness, transparency, and due process must continue to guide the party’s actions moving forward.
In line with the position of our principal, we call on all supporters to remain calm, focused, and committed to the larger vision of building a better constituency, a stronger party, and a New Nigeria. The struggle for effective representation and justice within democratic institutions is a marathon, not a sprint. We remain steadfast and optimistic as we await the final decisions of the party.
Signed:
Bakali Maina
Head of Campaign & Strategy
Sam Odeh Campaign Headquarters
30 May 2026
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