By Andrew Ojih, Jalingo
January 4, 2026
Stakeholders and voters in Takum, Ussa and Donga Federal Constituency have expressed opposition to the reported 2027 ambition of a former member of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Mr. Douglas Ndatse Yahaya, to contest for the House of Representatives seat.
Some constituents who spoke to journalists via telephone interviews on Sunday raised concerns over the former lawmaker’s health condition and questioned his ability to cope with the physical and legislative demands associated with representation at the National Assembly.
One of the respondents, Mr. Iriminde Sentim from Ussa Local Government Area, said the constituency requires a physically strong and active representative capable of effectively articulating the interests of the people and attracting development.
According to him, the resistance to Ndatse’s ambition goes beyond health considerations and reflects broader concerns about the future of the constituency and the need for leadership renewal.
Sentim noted that the former lawmaker had spent more than 22 years in public office, including serving as a lawmaker and as chairman of Donga Local Government Area, adding that many voters believe it is time for new leadership to emerge.
He further recalled that Ndatse lost the National Assembly primary election in 2023 and subsequently returned to contest the State House of Assembly seat, where he also lost, developments he said had weakened his political acceptability among constituents.
Similarly, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Donga Local Government Area, Mr. Pamaga Davies, alleged that the former lawmaker faced resistance while attempting to align with the party at the ward level.
Davies claimed that members of Asibiti Ward in Donga rejected moves to register him during recent party activities, adding that as the 2027 elections approach, voters are increasingly calling for candidates who can provide energetic leadership and effectively represent the constituency at the federal level.
