The immediate past Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, has withdrawn from the race for the House of Representatives seat for Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dewan announced the decision on Wednesday through a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, saying the move was taken after extensive consultations and careful reflection on the political realities in the constituency.
The former Speaker, who contested under the platform of the Young Progressive Party, (YPP), said he would instead seek re-election to represent Pankshin North State Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly.
Launching a fresh political campaign tagged “Positive Impact To Humanity Phase 2,” Dewan explained that leadership demands difficult decisions that prioritize the collective interest of the people above personal ambition.
According to him, consultations were held with family members, political stakeholders, elders, youths, supporters and loyal associates across the constituency before arriving at the decision.
He noted that ongoing discussions surrounding the Senate position in Pankshin, his age, and the opposition status of his party were among the factors that influenced his withdrawal from the House of Representatives contest.
The former Speaker maintained that although the decision was difficult, leadership required sacrifice, patience and commitment to the people.
He stressed that he did not want to be perceived as an obstacle to what he described as the “widely expressed desire” of the Ngas people in Pankshin North concerning the Senate seat.
Dewan called on his supporters to remain peaceful and focused, urging them to continue trusting God while working for the greater interest of Pankshin North.
He reiterated that his political struggle was not about personal ambition but about justice, fairness, equity and the future of the people.
On the issue of third-term politics, Dewan declared that his position against tenure elongation remained unchanged, describing himself as a committed ambassador of the anti-third-term movement.
He said he was prepared to support any credible candidate willing to resist attempts to impose third-term leadership in the constituency, preferably from Kanke Local Government Area due to the political considerations affecting Pankshin.
Highlighting his achievements in office, Dewan said he had initiated several projects across Pankshin North, empowered youths and women, offered scholarships and school fee support, and sponsored some youths abroad for football development opportunities.
