INEC announces 35 candidates for Taraba Senate elections in 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced 35 candidates for the three senatorial seats in Taraba State for the 2027 general elections.

These candidates, from different political parties, will compete for the Taraba North, Taraba Central, and Taraba South senatorial districts in the National Assembly elections set for 16 January 2027.

The final list, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, shows that Taraba Central has the most candidates with 14, followed by Taraba North with 11, and Taraba South with 10.

In Taraba South, the current senator, David Jimkuta of the All Progressives Congress (APC), will face nine other candidates.

These include Jauro Ibrahim of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Aliyu Yusuf of Accord, Afiniki Yarima of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Akaangee Bosha of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Ezekiel Ambo of the Labour Party (LP).

Others are Istifanus Mik of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Adi Ashumate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bako Samalia of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Ismaila Yahuza of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

In Taraba Central, the APC candidate and current senator, Haruna Manu, will face 13 opponents.

The challengers include Falack Victor of Accord, Yaroojee Lawan of the African Action Congress (AAC), Ahmadu Salim of the ADC, Adamu Gassol of APGA, and Danladi Stephen of APM.

Others are Yubuin Samuel of LP, Baban Babangida of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Nyan-Ganji Gills of NDC, Iliyasu Goje of PDP, Barak Maikidi of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Jibir Suleiman of SDP, Ahmad Kiyari of YPP, and Ibrahim Hamidu of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

For Taraba North, APC candidate Shuaibu Lau will compete against 10 other candidates.

These include Maigari Bello of ADC, Anthony Zawati of Accord, Ali Sani of APGA, Mathias Dame of LP, and Anthony Lawrence of NRM.

The other candidates are Bandawa Anfani of NDC, Bubajoda Mafindi of PDP, Abdullahi Aminu of PRP, Usman Shekara of SDP, and Musa Tukur of YPP.

Political changes

These senatorial races are happening amid major political changes in Taraba State. This follows the defection of Governor Agbu Kefas and two of the three sitting senators from the PDP to the APC.

These defections have boosted the APC's position ahead of the elections. The party aims to strengthen its hold on the three senatorial seats.

On the other hand, opposition parties need to rebuild their political structures and gather support to challenge the ruling party.

The January 2027 election will test the political strength of the APC after its recent growth in the state, as well as the ability of opposition parties to regain influence.