Chaos erupted at the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State as enraged youths openly rejected and chased away the member representing Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado Federal Constituency, Hon. Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe.
The dramatic scene unfolded during the party’s leadership election meeting in Tofa, the lawmaker’s hometown, where he was confronted by aggrieved supporters while attempting to address the gathering.
Viral videos circulating online captured chanting youths booing him and voicing their frustrations, bringing the event to a standstill.
In one of the clips, a protester could be heard shouting in Hausa, “Wallahi, our leader, there are issues to fix. We hunters, you have not considered us,” reflecting simmering grievances within sections of the constituency.
As tensions escalated, the atmosphere quickly turned hostile, with some youths hurling insults and advancing toward the podium.
Security aides and loyalists were forced to hurriedly shield and whisk the embattled lawmaker out of the venue, smuggling him into a waiting vehicle amid mounting unrest.
The disruption comes barely weeks after Jobe publicly appealed for forgiveness over alleged shortcomings during a stakeholders’ meeting that reportedly descended into disorder.
Political observers say the Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa federal constituency has become a hotbed of intense political maneuvering ahead of the next election cycle. Jobe, currently serving his fifth term in the House of Representatives, is said to be eyeing an unprecedented sixth term a move that has stirred controversy within party ranks.
His recent return to the APC has further fueled speculation that he may be positioning himself for an automatic ticket, a development believed to have deepened divisions among party faithful.
Notably, the Tofa congress marked his first major public appearance in his hometown since securing a fifth term in 2023.
The constituency, which has produced political heavyweights such as the late Danmasanin Kano, Dr. Yusuf Maitama Sule; the late Dr. Maikano Rabiu; the late Mustapha Janguza; Engr. Hamisu Abubakar Lambu; and Hon. Shehu Haruna Lambu, is known for its vibrant political culture and high expectations of representation.
Critics have also questioned Jobe’s legislative performance. One vocal constituent, Umar Danladi, alleged that in nearly two decades at the National Assembly, the lawmaker sponsored only one bill a proposed Federal University of Medical Sciences which has yet to materialise. He further claimed that Jobe’s contributions to debates on the floor of the House have been minimal.
With political tensions rising and rival ambitions intensifying, the latest incident signals a potentially turbulent road ahead in the battle for the constituency’s seat.
Daily Trust
Post A Comment: