INEC releases list of 35 candidates for Taraba State Senate seats ahead of 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published a final list of 35 individuals who will contest the three Senate seats in Taraba State during the 2027 general election scheduled for 16 January. The list, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran‑Anthony, shows the distribution of candidates across the three senatorial districts: Taraba Central has the most with 14, Taraba North follows with 11, and Taraba South lists 10 candidates.

Among the incumbents, APC senator David Jimkuta will defend his Taraba South seat against nine challengers, while fellow APC incumbent Haruna Manu seeks re‑election in Taraba Central against 13 opponents. In Taraba North, APC candidate Shuaibu Lau will face ten rivals.

Background

The candidate slate emerges against a backdrop of significant political realignment in Taraba State. Governor Agbu Kefas and two of the three sitting senators switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier this year, strengthening the ruling party’s foothold ahead of the upcoming elections. The defections have prompted opposition parties to rebuild their structures and mobilise support to contest the three senatorial districts.

The list details the party affiliations of each contender. In Taraba South, challengers include Jauro Ibrahim (African Democratic Congress), Aliyu Yusuf (Accord), Afiniki Yarima (All Progressives Grand Alliance), Akaangee Bosha (Allied Peoples Movement), Ezekiel Ambo (Labour Party), Istifanus Mik (Nigeria Democratic Congress), Adi Ashumate (PDP), Bako Samalia (Social Democratic Party) and Ismaila Yahuza (Young Progressives Party). Taraba Central sees candidates such as Falack Victor (Accord), Yaroojee Lawan (African Action Congress), Ahmadu Salim (ADC), Adamu Gassol (APGA), Danladi Stephen (APM), Yubuin Samuel (Labour Party), Baban Babangida (National Rescue Movement), Nyan‑Ganji Gills (NDC), Iliyasu Goje (PDP), Barak Maikidi (Peoples Redemption Party), Jibir Suleiman (SDP), Ahmad Kiyari (YPP) and Ibrahim Hamidu (Zenith Labour Party). In Taraba North, the field includes Maigari Bello (ADC), Anthony Zawati (Accord), Ali Sani (APGA), Mathias Dame (Labour Party), Anthony Lawrence (NRM), Bandawa Anfani (NDC), Bubajoda Mafindi (PDP), Abdullahi Aminu (PRP), Usman Shekara (SDP) and Musa Tukur (YPP).

Why it matters

The composition of the candidate list reflects the shifting balance of power in Taraba. The APC, buoyed by recent defections, aims to consolidate control of all three Senate seats, while opposition parties must contend with a crowded field and limited resources. Voter choices will be influenced by the parties’ ability to organise campaigns in a state where political loyalties have recently been reshaped. The outcome will affect the representation of Taraba in the National Assembly and could signal broader trends for the APC’s dominance in the north‑eastern region.

What happens next

The 16 January 2027 election will determine which of the 35 listed candidates secure the three Senate seats. INEC will continue its preparatory work, including voter education and logistical arrangements, as the election date approaches. Parties and candidates are expected to intensify campaigning in the weeks leading up to the poll, with the final results set to be announced shortly after voting concludes.