By Tgnews Reporter
In a strong show of discontent, concerned constituents of the Gombi–Hong Federal Constituency on Thursday vehemently protested against plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to grant an automatic ticket to Rt. Hon. James Barka for a second term in the House of Representatives.
The constituents, comprising APC members and the wider electorate, declared that they have lost confidence in Barka, describing his representation as a “gross failure” despite his long years in public service.
Reading a joint statement on behalf of the group, the concerned citizens said they are united in demanding accountable representation and the rejection of imposed leadership.
“We do not support the return of Rt. Hon. James Barka for a second term in the House of Representatives,” the statement read.
“Despite occupying several positions — Member of the State Assembly, Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Acting Governor, Ambassador, and currently Member of the House of Representatives — there is little to no tangible achievement credited to his name.”
The protesters lamented the absence of basic infrastructure, youth empowerment programmes, and meaningful interventions in the constituency, accusing the lawmaker of consistently taking from the system without giving back to the people he represents.
“He is a gross failure in leadership,” they declared. “At almost 70 years of age, and with no meaningful record of performance during his most active years, it is unrealistic to expect a sudden change now.”
The group warned against any move by the APC leadership to impose Barka on the constituency through an automatic ticket, insisting that democracy must reflect the will of the people.
“We strongly reject this imposition in its entirety. The members of the APC and the general electorate in Hong and Gombi have spoken clearly: we do not want Rt. Hon. Barka imposed on us again. Barka must step aside and withdraw from the race totally. The party must not grant him an automatic ticket.”
They called on the APC national and state leadership, particularly the Governor of Adamawa State, to respect the wishes of the people by allowing free and fair direct primaries to produce a credible, capable, and energetic candidate.
“Gombi–Hong deserves better. Gombi–Hong demands change. Enough is enough — No More Barka.”
The protest is seen as a significant indication of growing internal dissent within the APC in the constituency ahead of the next general elections. Political observers note that the development may force the party leadership to reconsider its strategy to avoid alienating a key federal constituency.
As of the time of filing this report, attempts to get the reaction of Rt. Hon. James Barka or the APC leadership were unsuccessful.
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