By Samuel Flomo, Jr.
Ahead of the 2029 elections, Bong County electoral district number #3 Representative, J. Marvin Cole, is being confronted with mounting political challenges.
As part of the confrontation, seven of his key supporters have publicly abandoned him, pledging their political backing to former district #5 Representative Edward W. Karfiah.
The defections, announced during a weekend press conference, come on the heels of two earlier resignations, bringing the total number of high-profile departures from Cole’s camp to nine within just one month.
Analysts say this signals an alarming erosion of confidence in the incumbent’s leadership, and ability to deliver tangible results for his constituents.
Among those shifting support were Lawrence Bao, J. Clarence Forkpah, Kymberlyne Frank, Paul Ramsey Jones, Sackie S. Gayflor, William N. Bomosee and G. Togbah Matthews.
They cited Cole’s lack of concrete achievements and his apparent disconnection from community priorities.
“During Cole’s tenure, we have yet to see meaningful projects in our districts. Our communities continue to wait, while leaders like Karfiah implement initiatives that actually transform lives in his district,” one defector said.”
The defectors praised Karfiah’s legislative record from 2011 to 2017, highlighting programs such as “Choose Your Project,” which enabled communities to determine their priority development projects.
They also referenced his Triple R (Rescue, Rebuild, Restore) agenda during the 2023 senatorial campaign, citing contributions to the Mary E. Horton Health Center, and support for educational institutions, including the Zuannah Memorial Institute and CAN Leadership Academy.
Political observers said, the repeated defections suggest a widening gap between Cole and the constituents he represents, raising questions about his responsiveness and capacity to govern effectively.
With the 2029 senatorial race approaching, Cole faces an uphill battle to retain political relevance in the county.
Meanwhile, Karfiah’s growing coalition positions him as a leading contender, leaving the incumbent’s political future increasingly uncertain.