Youth groups across Mikang Local Government Area have intensified calls for equitable political representation, rejecting any move for a fourth term in office and insisting on the sustenance of the rotational leadership system in the area.
The position was made known during a sensitization gathering organized by the Mikang Youth Vanguard Coalition, which brought together youths from the four districts of Tehl, Piapung, Koenoem, and Garkawa under a non-partisan platform to deliberate on the future of political representation in the local government.
Addressing participants at the event, which was held on Saturday in Tunkus, the President of the Tehl Youth Movement and leader of the coalition, Comrade Daniel Dajen, described the gathering as a united effort by Mikang youths to defend fairness, inclusiveness, and democratic balance through power rotation.
According to him, the meeting was not a political rally but a civic engagement platform aimed at mobilizing support against what he described as a “4th term agenda” in the constituency.
“We are all ambassadors of Mikang. Everybody is eligible to vote and to be voted for. But we need power rotation,” Dajen stated, urging youths to remain resolute in opposing prolonged political dominance by any single district.
He argued that allowing one district to occupy elective positions for extended periods would slow down the rotation process and deny other districts equal opportunities for representation and development.
Dajen also referenced the zoning arrangement that produces leadership positions such as the Speaker of the State Assembly, insisting that rotational arrangements remain critical to political stability and fairness.
“This arrangement served Mikang well. It fostered unity, strengthened brotherhood, promoted mutual respect, and ensured that no district felt marginalized in the political affairs of our local government. It was this spirit of justice and balance that sustained peace and socio-political harmony in Mikang for many years.
“However, this noble arrangement came under serious threat with the emergence of Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil.
In 2015, Hon. Deo Lamul from Montol District, after honourably serving two terms in the Plateau State House of Assembly, willingly supported Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil from Piapung District in line with the established rotational understanding in Mikang. That support was not accidental; it was rooted in trust, honour, and collective commitment to equity.” The coalition added.
The coalition leader commended the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and called on the state government, as well as the national leadership of political parties, to recognize the strong support for zoning among Mikang youths.
Speakers from the four districts also emphasized the need for unity, peaceful advocacy, and collective protection of democratic values, while condemning violence and political intimidation.
The coalition maintained that power rotation promotes inclusivity, prevents political monopoly, and gives every district a fair opportunity to contribute to the development of Mikang through representation.
The event attracted youth leaders representing various ethnic groups in Mikang, alongside stakeholders and advocates of good governance.
The gathering ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to sustaining advocacy for equitable power rotation ahead of the coming political season under the slogan: “One Mikang, One Future.”