Battle For APC Ticket In Northern Zone: Sani Danladi, UTC, Nyame, Shuibu Lau Set For Showdown

The race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket in Taraba North ahead of the 2027 general elections is gathering momentum, with top political heavyweights positioning for what observers describe as a looming showdown.

Key contenders in the contest include former Acting Governors, Alhaji Garba Umar (UTC), and  Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi, incumbent Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, and former Governor Rev. Jolly Nyame.

The entrance and re-emergence of these political figures have heightened activities within the party across the northern zone, with alignments and consultations intensifying among stakeholders.

Senator Sani Abubakar Danladi is said to have concluded plans to formally join the race, with his supporters describing him as a “grassroots politician” with strong backing across the zone. Loyalists claim he enjoys the support of some elements within the party’s national leadership and is pushing for a direct primary election.

“We are not asking for consensus; we are ready for direct primaries. Our nomination form is ready,” one of his supporters stated, adding that the former deputy governor has fully committed to the race.

However, sources within the party indicate that some local political actors are quietly working against his emergence, suggesting possible internal resistance.

Former Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, popularly known as UTC, has also returned to the political scene, a development many observers say could significantly reshape the contest. The re-entry of UTC into the race has further heightened political tension, with many observers describing his return as a major factor due to his widespread grassroots support across the zone. Both UTC and Sani Danladi are from the Wurkum extraction, a dynamic analysts say could influence voting patterns within the party.

Recently, the Asiwaju Renewed Hope Assured Organization has endorsed Alhaji Garba Umar (UTC) as its preferred candidate for the Taraba North Senate seat, where members called on party supporters and the electorate to rally behind Umar, citing his experience, integrity, and leadership qualities.

The group described him as a “credible and corruption-free leader” capable of effectively representing the district at the National Assembly.

 

 

Incumbent Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau is also seeking a fourth term in the Senate. While some constituents have criticised his performance over the years, a youth group under the Taraba North Progressives Forum has endorsed his candidacy.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting, the Acting Secretary of the forum, Comrade Ibrahim Manga, said the endorsement followed what he described as a critical assessment of the senator’s performance, citing “verifiable achievements” across the district.

Meanwhile, there are speculations within political circles that Senator Lau may enjoy the backing of the state political structure, with some observers suggesting that he could benefit if the party adopts a consensus arrangement.

Former Governor Rev. Jolly Nyame has also indicated interest in the race, further intensifying the contest. Political analysts point to his perceived closeness to President Bola Tinubu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, as factors that could influence his chances.

Nyame is also believed to have strong backing among sections of his Mumuye ethnic group, regarded as a key political bloc in the senatorial district. Stakeholders note that existing political arrangements within the zone could favour his emergence.

The Mumuye ethnic group has conceded the deputy governorship slots to Jalingo in what many says was an agreement for National assembly seats. Jolly as the political leader of the Mumuye nation is positioned to benefit from this arrangement.

 

However, the emerging dynamics have also triggered reactions from youth groups in the area. A youth leader, Comrade Mazan Mashi, expressed concern over what he described as a deviation from earlier political understandings with the mumuyes.

Comr. Mazan Mashi, said many young voters are dissatisfied with what it described as a deviation from earlier understandings reached during the by-election period in Jalingo, Yorro and Zing. According to him, the governor had then appealed for support from the youths of the region and allegedly promised that the senatorial ticket for Taraba North would be conceded to their interest as a gesture of political inclusion and balance.

He alleged these commitments made during previous political engagements to ensure inclusivity and balance, warning that failure to honour such arrangements could lead to a shift in support among young voters.

Mashi stressed that the Mumuyes remains a decisive bloc in the state’s political equation and cautioned against actions that could alienate key stakeholders ahead of the elections.

With multiple strong contenders and growing political interests, the battle for the APC senatorial ticket in Taraba North is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the state as 2027 approaches.

Party insiders caution that without timely reconciliation and transparent primaries, the APC risks weakening its position in the senatorial district as fallout of who gets the ticket might reflect in voting patterns at the general poll.

With endorsements, counter-alignments, and grassroots mobilization already underway, political watchers say the coming months will be decisive in determining who clinches the APC ticket in what is fast becoming one of the most closely contested races in Taraba State ahead of 2027.