Haruna Manu, Jimkuta Secure Reelection Tickets

••Party Members Reject Shuaibu Lau in Yorro, Jalingo, Karim

• Jimkuta Gets Highest Votes In Ussa LGA

Senator Haruna Manu has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Taraba Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general election, following a decisive victory in the party’s primary election held on Monday.

The primary, conducted through a direct voting system across the state, saw widespread participation by party members, with Manu securing overwhelming support across Taraba Central. Party faithful in the zone described his victory as a reflection of the confidence and trust he enjoys among grassroots supporters.

In separate congratulatory messages, stakeholders praised Manu’s leadership style, citing his track record of service, commitment to development, and strong connection with constituents as key factors behind his success at the polls.

Attention has now shifted to the general election, with party members expressing optimism that Manu’s candidacy will strengthen the APC’s chances in the senatorial contest.

In Taraba South, Senator David Jimkuta also clinched the APC senatorial ticket after recording a commanding performance across the district. Results from the primary indicate that Ussa Local Government Area delivered the highest number of votes, with Jimkuta polling 8,151 votes.

Other results show Wukari with 7,120 votes, Donga with 5,250, Takum with 4,240, and Ibi with 4,150 votes, underscoring a broad base of support across the zone.

The Executive Chairman of Ussa Local Government Council, Hon. Abarshi Musa, commended party members for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the exercise, noting that the process reflected internal democracy and maturity within the party. He also acknowledged the role of security agencies in maintaining calm throughout the primaries.

Jimkuta, in his reaction, thanked delegates and party supporters, pledging inclusive representation and sustained development if elected in 2027.

Meanwhile, the contest in Taraba North has taken a different turn, with early reports from the primary indicating a strong showing by Hon. Kabiru Bello Badawaire. Independent vote computations and situation room reports suggest that Badawaire is leading significantly across several local government areas.

Incumbent Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau reportedly suffered setbacks in multiple wards in Ardo Kola, Karim Lamido, Yorro, and Zing, signaling a shift in voter sentiment. Although he recorded slim victories in some wards in Jalingo and Lau, the overall figures place him behind his challenger.

Detailed ward-level results from Lau Local Government Area show Badawaire maintaining a clear advantage in most polling units, with cumulative figures indicating a wide margin over the incumbent.

A statement issued by the Badawaire Campaign Situation Room, signed by Dalhatu Ahmadu Bayu, said the outcome reflects reports gathered from a coordinated network of ward and local government observers deployed during the exercise. The statement emphasized transparency, peaceful conduct, and adherence to democratic principles throughout the process.

The group also commended party officials, security agencies, and stakeholders for ensuring a credible exercise, while urging members to remain committed to unity and peaceful engagement as the process continues.

With the APC primaries largely concluded across the three senatorial zones, attention is expected to shift to reconciliation efforts and preparations for the 2027 general elections.