Inside Sadiq Abbas Tafida’s Dicey Return Bid to the Green Chamber

All may not be well politically with the return bid of Hon. Sadiq Abbas Tafida to the National Assembly, as concerns over his style of representation continue to grow by the day.

Elected in February 2024 on the back of widespread goodwill to replace the late Hon. Ismaila Maihanci, who had built a strong reputation for philanthropy and youth empowerment, political analysts within the Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency believe the young politician has exhausted much of the goodwill he initially enjoyed.

According to them, he has struggled to fill even a fraction of the vacuum left by his late predecessor.

Critics point to what they describe as a lack of meaningful constituency projects, apart from the construction of a few classroom blocks and the drilling of selected boreholes within Jalingo metropolis and some communities in Yorro Local Government Area.

Analysts further argue that he has failed to initiate any significant empowerment programme, despite his first tenure approaching its end by June next year. They compare his performance with that of some of his contemporaries, who are also serving their first terms but have reportedly embarked on human capital development programmes worth hundreds of millions of naira. Many observers are therefore questioning what has prevented him from taking similar steps.

This newspaper had earlier reported how the lawmaker was booed on the eve of the APC primaries shortly after addressing party faithful at a private school in Jalingo metropolis. Analysts say the incident cast a stain on what had hitherto appeared to be a fairly untarnished political image.

With the outcome of the APC primaries, in which he controversially emerged victorious amid allegations that voting was conducted late into the night, thereby disenfranchising many party faithful, Hon. Tafida is now set to face stiff opposition at the polls from Hon. Ibrahim Imam of the PDP and a familiar rival, Innocent Jabayang of the APGA whom he had escaped his sledge hammer by the whiskers in the last elections. 

Hon. Ibrahim Imam, who hails from Jalingo just like Tafida, is a former member of the Taraba State House of Assembly and former Commissioner for Youths and Sports. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a grassroots politician with considerable influence within Jalingo and its environs. Widely regarded as a philanthropist with a cerebral approach to politics, Imam is said to have embarked on several life-changing initiatives during his time in public office, including the distribution of vehicles, scholarships, business grants, and other empowerment items to constituents.

Political observers believe his entrance into the race has significantly altered the dynamics of the contest, particularly given his longstanding political structure and acceptability among urban voters and the Hausa/Fulani speaking communities within the constituency. His supporters describe him as experienced, accessible, and politically mature, attributes they say distinguish him from many younger contenders.

However, his critics argue that while he possesses strong grassroots appeal, he belongs to the old guard of conventional politicians and may lack the vibrancy and legislative assertiveness required for effective representation at the National Assembly. Questions have also been raised about whether he possesses the charisma and intellectual depth necessary for robust parliamentary engagement and policy advocacy at the national level.

Nonetheless, analysts believe his candidacy will undoubtedly split votes within Jalingo metropolis and surrounding communities, thereby making the contest more competitive and unpredictable.

On his part, Innocent Jabayang of the APGA enters the race with what many describe as a loyal and emotionally connected support base, particularly among the Mumuye communities where he is viewed by many as a symbol of political liberation and inclusion. Known for his liberal disposition and strong interpersonal relations, Jabayang has steadily cultivated an image of humility, accessibility, and people-oriented leadership.

He made a remarkably strong showing during the 2024 elections, surprising many political observers with his performance and giving the then PDP candidate a fierce contest. Despite operating outside the structures of the dominant political parties, he succeeded in building a formidable grassroots movement driven largely by youths and first-time voters who were drawn to his populist messaging and unconventional political style.

Supporters believe his growing popularity stems from widespread dissatisfaction with the traditional political establishment, with many seeing him as a credible alternative capable of disrupting the existing order.

Analysts say if he is able to consolidate his Mumuye support base while expanding his appeal to other ethnic and political blocs within the constituency, he could once again emerge as a major factor in the contest.

He is therefore expected to build on the momentum and goodwill generated from his previous outing to make an even stronger showing in the impending political showdown.

Another layer to the contest is the emergence of frontline Jalingo-based human rights activist, Barr. Bilyaminu Lukman Maihanchi, who is contesting on the platform of the NDC.

Though largely understated in his approach, Maihanchi is regarded by observers as a quiet but potentially formidable contender. His sustained engagement with grassroots communities over the years, particularly through rights advocacy and social interventions, has earned him a measure of goodwill that could translate into votes.

Analysts also point to his family ties to the Mumuye ethnic bloc as a possible advantage in a race where identity and local affiliations remain influential. Combined with a growing support base built around his activism, there are indications that his candidacy may resonate beyond traditional political structures.

His political pedigree is another factor working in his favour. Hailing from Jalingo, Maihanchi is expected to draw support from key stakeholders within the local political establishment, further positioning him as a candidate capable of altering existing calculations in what is already shaping up to be a highly competitive race.