At Town Hall Meeting, Danladi Baido Says Northern Zone Will Wait Till After Gov Kefas’ 8 Years

• APC, SDP Leaders Endorse Gov Kefas for 2027
• Emir Muri, Youths Ask Governor to Fix Jalingo Township Roads

 

Major political leaders and stakeholders from Taraba State's northern senatorial district have unanimously endorsed Governor Agbu Kefas for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections.

The endorsement came during a high-profile zonal stakeholders' engagement meeting held on Wednesday in Jalingo, the state capital. Leaders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside traditional rulers and thousands of supporters, threw their weight behind Governor Kefas as their sole candidate for the next election cycle.

Although the governor was elected under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 and has not defected to any other political party, the stakeholders—cutting across political divides—offered him a free ticket to run for a second term in 2027.

Addressing the gathering, former federal lawmaker Hon. Danladi Baido cautioned political actors against premature contests for governorship ahead of 2027, stressing the need for zoning balance in Taraba politics.

Baido recalled that past governors, including the late Danbaba Suntai, Arc. Jolly Nyame, and Darius Ishaku, all faced criticism during their tenures. He urged the current administration to remain focused despite opposition.

In his words:

"Baba Suntai was insulted when he was governor, the same with Jolly Nyame and Darius Ishaku. So you are not an angel that people will not criticize you. But I want to say clearly that anyone who wants to contest for governorship should wait until after 2027 because the governor will not come from Southern Taraba again. We cannot afford to wait another 20 years. For now, we will manage with your administration. If it is not doing well, we will keep saying it, but you should complete your tenure, and then leadership returns to Northern Taraba."

In his opening speech on behalf of the stakeholders, the Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Council and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Taraba State chapter, Alhaji Aminu Joro Hassan, declared Governor Kefas as the most trusted leader for the state's number-one position.

"Your Excellency, with your track records, we have no doubts. Having seen what you have done in the last two years, and also having watched your zeal for the massive transformation of our dear state, we, the stakeholders, have endorsed you today, Wednesday, 24th September 2025, for a second term in office," Hassan stated.

In a resounding voice vote involving thousands of stakeholders and members of the general public at the meeting, unanimous support was declared for Governor Kefas' second term bid.

Prominent personalities behind the endorsement included former Governor Jolly Nyame of the APC, Baido Tijos, the 2023 SDP governorship candidate, Senator Anthony Manzo of the APC, and the Emir of Muri, Alhaji Tafida Abbas Tafida.

Former Governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly Nyame, voiced concerns regarding boundary delineation among traditional institutions in the state. 

The Emir of Muri, Alhaji Tafida Abbas Tafida, while giving his royal blessing, praised the Governor's good intentions toward all residents, urging him to prioritize rural roads, electricity as well as addressing the farmers-herders crisis and water scarcity.

Also speaking at the meeting, Bashir Yakubu appealed to the governor to fix key infrastructure in the northern zone.

"Fix the Mararaba to Yorro Road, fix Jalingo township roads. Out of the three electric substations in Jalingo, only the TADP station is working. Please fix it for us, Your Excellency," Yakubu said.

Another youth representative noted that Governor Kefasdeserved commendation for achievements in security, education, and pension payments, but urged for more visible action on infrastructure and human development.

"Your Excellency, since the state's master plan is already prepared and ready for use, we want to see implementation. We only have less than two years," he said.

Stakeholders from the region, including the Member representing Ardokola, Karim Lamido, and Lau Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Mohammed Lauya, former Senator Anthony Manzo, , and Hon. Virginia Bambur, all expressed appreciation for the Governor's impactful leadership. They highlighted pressing needs such as roads, electricity, water supply, and empowerment programmes.