Senator Emmanuel Bwacha and Abubakar Tutare have emerged as the gubernatorial candidates for the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and the African Democratic Congress, ADC in Taraba State ahead of the 2027 elections.
At the PDP affirmation exercise, party leaders conducted a voice vote in which members overwhelmingly endorsed Senator Bwacha as the sole governorship candidate. Having met all the required qualifications, he was declared duly affirmed.
In his acceptance speech, Bwacha thanked the party for conducting a free, fair, and transparent primary. He urged supporters to remain loyal despite distractions, saying the state’s decline under the current administration was unacceptable.
“Taraba’s development indicators have fallen to their lowest point in history,” he said. “The state belongs to all of us, and its resources must not end up in the hands of a few while the majority languish in poverty. We will rise and reclaim what is ours.”
He called on voters not to sell their conscience but to accept any inducements offered and still vote for change. “If they give you money, take it, but do what is right for Taraba by voting out this administration and bringing back the PDP. You will not regret it in 2027,” he said.
Bwacha, noting Taraba’s agrarian identity, promised to open up rural roads to ease movement and improve livelihoods. He said his 42-point manifesto would serve as a benchmark for accountability once in office.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kupchi Maxwell, Chairman of the ADC Primary Elections Committee for Taraba State, announced the party’s candidates for the upcoming polls. He explained that some aspirants emerged through consensus, others through direct primaries, and a few as sole candidates who were affirmed.
“For the governorship, we have Abubakar Umar Tutare,” Maxwell stated. He added that the party had set up an appeal committee to address complaints raised by some aspirants, noting that certificates of return would be issued once the process was concluded.
Accepting his nomination, Senator Tutare thanked the party for providing a level playing field. “On behalf of all announced candidates, I accept this mandate and we will work together for victory,” he said. He expressed confidence in the ADC’s prospects despite being in opposition, saying the party had a strong team and a clear vision.
Tutare also urged aspirants who did not emerge to accept the outcome in good faith and join hands for the greater good. “Government is big enough to accommodate everyone. If ADC succeeds, we all succeed,” he said
