Ahead of 2027, Bwacha Courts Disgruntled APC Aspirants, Mobilizes Stakeholders

Former Senator representing Taraba South, Emmanuel Bwacha, is steadily building a broad political coalition as part of moves widely interpreted as preparation to challenge Governor AgbuKefas in the 2027 governorship election.

Investigations indicate that from his Abuja base, Bwacha has intensified high-level consultations, meeting with politicians, stakeholders, and aspirants—particularly those within the All Progressives Congress (APC) who fear they may be edged out of the party’s ticket race.

Sources say the 2023 APC governorship candidate is positioning himself as a rallying point for aggrieved politicians, many of whom believe their ambitions may not be accommodated within the APC due to internal dynamics and emerging alignments in 2027.

“These are people who have seen the handwriting on the wall. They are already exploring alternatives, and Bwacha is offering that alternative platform, he will decides who get party ticket in Taraba” a party insider disclosed.

Bwacha is believed to be consolidating his influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he is increasingly regarded as a central figure, especially among those aligning with the Nyesom Wike-led bloc at the national level.

As part of his strategy, Bwacha is reaching out not only to APC aspirants but also to dissatisfied elements within the current Taraba State administration. Political watchers say several former commissioners and loyalists of ex-Governor Darius Ishaku have begun aligning with his camp. 

The move is seen as an attempt to rebuild a formidable political structure that cuts across party lines and leverages existing grievances within the system to challenge Governor Kefas in the next election.

Bwacha is also said to be preparing a campaign narrative centered on governance, with insiders indicating that he plans to scrutinize and challenge the performance of the current administration during the electioneering period.

A recent closed-door meeting in Abuja involving Bwacha, Iliyasu Goje, and Kenan Kaigama has further fueled speculation about a major political realignment ahead of 2027. 

The meeting is considered significant given the influence of both Goje and Kaigama in Taraba Central—a zone widely regarded as critical to winning statewide elections.

Goje, a seasoned political mobiliser from Gassol Local Government Area, is believed to be eyeing the Taraba Central senatorial seat, while Kaigama, from Bali Local Government Area, represents a younger political bloc with growing grassroots and youth support.

Analysts say any alliance involving these figures could reshape voting patterns in the central zone and significantly impact the overall electoral equation.

 

In recent weeks, Bwacha has also received visits from emerging political actors and support groups, further signaling growing momentum around his ambition.

Among them is Barrister Genesis Bandodo, a state assembly aspirant under the APC from Zing, whose visit to Bwacha in Abuja has sparked speculation about a possible defection. Bandodo, described as a fast-rising youth leader, is said to command increasing grassroots support.

During the visit, Bwacha urged youths across the state to remain committed to peaceful and purposeful political participation, while emphasizing unity and resilience in shaping Taraba’s future.

Similarly, the DAF Like Minds Movement, a support group linked to Hon. David Abel Fouh, member representing Gashaka, Kurmi, and Sardauna Federal Constituency, also held talks with Bwacha.

The group pledged support and discussed collaboration strategies, a development observers say could signal a broader political alignment involving key federal actors.

Senator Emmanuel Bwacha and his close political associate also paid a political friendly visit to another aspirant for Takum, Donga, Ussa and Yangtu development Area Federal Constituency Hon. Sule Yakubu Andenati as part of his ongoing mobilization . 

Sources within the APC suggest that Bwacha’s strategy is largely focused on exploiting internal cracks within the party, particularly dissatisfaction over perceived imposition of candidates and lack of inclusiveness in decision-making.

Several aspirants are reportedly being assured of a “soft landing” in the PDP, with promises of fairer opportunities to contest in the election.

Political analysts warn that if the APC fails to manage its internal disputes and conduct transparent primaries, it risks losing key figures to Bwacha’s emerging coalition.

Analyst warns that Bwacha’s growing network—spanning aggrieved APC aspirants, former government officials, youth leaders, and support groups—positions him as a formidable contender ahead of 2027.