The immediate past Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, has formally picked up the governorship nomination form of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, signaling his entry into the 2027 gubernatorial race.
In recent months, a growing wave of support across social media had urged the former minister to contest, with many of his supporters mounting sustained campaigns calling on him to answer what they described as a “collective call to service.” The announcement of his decision came as a surprise to many, following a personal social media post confirming he had obtained the nomination form.
In his statement, Sambo declared:
“Tarabans, you called, and we heard. To this end, we rise. That the sun may yet rise on the Mambilla. That Taraba may stand tall among the comity of states, that generations yet unborn will be grateful we built for them. For our State, for our Nation, and to the glory of the Almighty God, we run. The days ahead will test us, but they will also define us. Brace yourselves.”
The announcement sparked widespread jubilation among supporters across Taraba State, many of whom praised him for responding to public calls to contest.
Sambo now joins a competitive field that includes the incumbent governor, Agbu Kefas; former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman; and businessman and philanthropist, David Sabo Kente.
Meanwhile, the Taraba State APC Chairman, Abubakar Bawa, has dismissed speculations of a consensus or automatic ticket for any aspirant. He emphasized that all candidates would undergo screening and participate in a direct primary election.
“There is no preferred candidate. All aspirants who pass the screening process will participate in a direct primary election. The decision will rest with party members at the grassroots,” Bawa stated.
Although direct access to Sambo was unsuccessful, his Chief Media Aide confirmed that the former minister has indeed picked up the form and is fully in the race. The aide also expressed confidence in the party’s direct primary system, describing it as a credible process capable of producing a strong candidate to represent the APC in the general election.
As the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum, Sambo’s entry is expected to significantly reshape the political dynamics within both the party and Taraba State at large, as stakeholders position for what is shaping up to be a highly contested race.
