The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially published the names of 35 contenders cleared to run for the three senatorial positions in Taraba State for the upcoming general elections. Aspirants across multiple political platforms will vie for legislative seats representing the Taraba North, Taraba Central, and Taraba South senatorial districts during the parliamentary polls slated for January 16, 2027.
According to the certified roster authenticated by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, Taraba Central boasts the highest volume of contenders with 14 candidates. This is followed closely by Taraba North with 11 aspirants, while Taraba South accounts for 10 contenders.
What is the lineup for the Taraba South district?
In the Taraba South senatorial race, the incumbent lawmaker David Jimkuta, running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), faces competition from nine opposing candidates.
The challengers feature Jauro Ibrahim representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Aliyu Yusuf of Accord, Afiniki Yarima for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Akaangee Bosha under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Ezekiel Ambo of the Labour Party (LP).
Other contenders comprise Istifanus Mik of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Adi Ashumate representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bako Samalia of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside Ismaila Yahuza from the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
How do the Taraba Central and North races shape up?
Within the Taraba Central district, the sitting senator and APC standard- bearer Haruna Manu faces a competitive field of 13 challengers.
This group includes Falack Victor (Accord), Yaroojee Lawan (African Action Congress), Ahmadu Salim (ADC), Adamu Gassol (APGA), Danladi Stephen (APM), Yubuin Samuel (LP), Baban Babangida (National Rescue Movement), Nyan-Ganji Gills (NDC), Iliyasu Goje (PDP), Barak Maikidi (Peoples Redemption Party), Jibir Suleiman (SDP), Ahmad Kiyari (YPP), and Ibrahim Hamidu (Zenith Labour Party).
Meanwhile, in Taraba North, incumbent-backed APC nominee Shuaibu Lau will square off against 10 contenders. The candidates consist of Maigari Bello (ADC), Anthony Zawati (Accord), Ali Sani (APGA), Mathias Dame (LP), Anthony Lawrence (NRM), Bandawa Anfani (NDC), Bubajoda Mafindi (PDP), Abdullahi Aminu (PRP), Usman Shekara (SDP), and Musa Tukur (YPP).
How have political realignments affected the region?
The parliamentary contests emerge against the backdrop of notable political realignments within Taraba State, following the high-profile defection of Governor Agbu Kefas alongside two serving senators from the PDP to the APC.
These strategic defections have significantly bolstered the ruling party's influence within the state as it fights to maintain total control over all three legislative seats. Concurrently, opposition platforms carry the immense responsibility of reorganizing their political machinery and rallying grassroots backing to challenge the dominant party.
The impending 2027 electoral exercise is widely viewed as a crucial litmus test for the APC's expanded regional dominance, as well as an opportunity for opposition groups to reclaim lost political territory.