Mumuye Stakeholders Trade Deputy Governorship Slot for National Assembly Seats

 

Political stakeholders from the Mumuye ethnic bloc in Taraba State are weighing the option of relinquishing the Deputy Governorship position in exchange for key National Assembly tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Sources familiar with the ongoing consultations said the proposed arrangement would see the Deputy Governorship slot ceded to other parts of the northern zone, while the Mumuyebloc positions itself to secure the senatorial ticket and a seat in the House of Representatives, alongside additional representation in the State House of Assembly.

 

The move comes amid intensifying political realignments across the state as parties and interest groups strategise for the next electoral cycle.

 

The current Deputy Governor, Aminu Alkali, is not expected to seek re-election in 2027. Despite his prolonged absence from public engagements due to health concerns, Agbu Kefas is said to have ruled out any plan to replace him before the expiration of their tenure.

 

Within the emerging power-sharing calculations, the Mumuyebloc is reportedly eyeing the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket, while also pushing for a House of Representatives slot and other elective positions.

 

As part of the negotiations, the group has presented Jolly Nyamefrom Zing Local Government Area for the Senate, while David Kassa from Yorro Local Government Area is being considered for the House of Representatives.

 

Meanwhile, deliberations over the Deputy Governorship slot have narrowed to Jalingo and Karim Lamido local government areas, with multiple interests lobbying for consideration. Sources also disclosed that two female politicians are being evaluated for the position, in line with Governor Kefas' earlier interest in producing Taraba's first female deputy governor. However, competing political pressures, including influence from a top North-East figure within the presidency, are said to be shaping the final decision.

 

Within political circles in Jalingo, there are growing calls for the Deputy Governorship slot to be ceded to Jalingo Local Government Area, with Sadiq Abbas Tafida, representing Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency, widely projected as a leading contender.

 

Tafida, the son of the Emir of Muri and a known ally of Governor Kefas, is believed by some stakeholders to be a strategic choice that could address longstanding concerns among Fulani groups who feel underrepresented in the state's power structure.

 

The negotiations are considered critical, given the electoral strength of the Mumuye communities across eight local government areas—Ardo Kola, Bali, Gashaka, Gassol, Jalingo, Lau, Yorro, and Zing.

 

A stakeholder familiar with the talks said the bloc is carefully weighing its options.

 

"We have a bloc vote that can swing victory. Looking at 2027, we are going to play a major role in determining who emerges as governor. If the Deputy Governorship slot is taken from us, then we must secure something better," the source said.

 

Political analysts say the evolving alignments could significantly shape the contest, noting that if major contenders emerge from the southern part of the state, the battle for votes may shift to the northern and central zones.

 

"As it stands, if key figures like Bwacha, Danjuma and Governor Kefas are all on the ballot, the votes will likely split, forcing candidates to rely on other zones. The Mumuye bloc remains critical to the outcome," an analyst said.