By: Joy Musa Birshi
The Member representing Bogoro, Dass, and Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Gambo Jafaaru Leko, is facing mounting criticism from his constituents over what many describe as a nepotistic and lopsided approach to governance and empowerment initiatives.
In a recent Training and Empowerment Program organized by the lawmaker, several members of the constituency alleged they were excluded from participating, accusing Hon. Leko of favoring individuals from Dangi in Plateau State a community outside the constituency over the indigenous people he was elected to represent.
“This is our mandate, our resources, and yet he is using it to build outsiders while ignoring those who gave him the platform,” said a disgruntled resident of Tafawa Balewa who preferred anonymity. “What kind of representation is this?” said Hayatuddeen Ibrahim Gital.
Several constituents described the selection process for the empowerment initiative as biased and lacking transparency, accusing the lawmaker of employing what they termed a “nepostic approach to leadership.”
The situation has fueled frustration and disappointment among the electorate, many of whom believe their representative has failed to meet the expectations placed on him since assuming office in 2023.
Hon. Leko’s woes appear to be deepening as sources close to political powerbrokers in the region reveal that he has fallen out with his political godfather, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara. According to insiders, the rift may impact Leko’s chances for re-election in 2027, with Dogara allegedly poised to back another candidate in the next general election.
Public sentiment took a further hit during the recent Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, when Hon. Leko was criticized for distributing what many described as “demeaning handouts” including packets of spaghetti to residents of Gital village in Tafawa Balewa. Many community members saw the gesture as an insult and a reflection of the lawmaker’s disconnect from the realities and dignity of his people.
“At a time when lawmakers across the country are distributing meaningful items and millions in support of their people during Eid, our representative brought spaghetti. It’s disgraceful,” said Musa Adamu, a youth leader in Gital. “We will not forget this insult in 2027.”
Political analysts have also joined in the criticism, describing Hon. Leko’s performance as “below average” and “uninspiring” for a first-time federal lawmaker. They warn that unless immediate steps are taken to rebuild trust and deliver tangible development to the constituency, the lawmaker risks alienating a significant portion of his support base.
As tensions grow and political stakes rise, the people of Bogoro, Dass, and Tafawa Balewa appear increasingly determined to hold their representative accountable with many vowing to express their dissatisfaction at the ballot box come 2027.
