The former Minister of Works and Transport, Engr. Mu’azu Sambo Jaji, has reaffirmed his determination to contest the 2027 Taraba State governorship election, saying nothing will make him betray the confidence of the people on him.
Engr. Jaji, who is contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressed that he remains in the race and will not step down despite reported political pressure.
Addressing newsmen at his residence in Jalingo on the eve of the APC governorship primary, Jaji said he was fully prepared for the contest and urged party members across the state to participate peacefully in the exercise.
He called on registered APC members in the 168 wards to come out enmass and vote, saying that the primary should reflect the will of the people.
“I remain in the race for the governorship of Taraba State. I will not step down. No amount of pressure will make me step down from this race, except if God decides otherwise,” Jaji said.
The former minister described the APC primary as a defining moment for the state, and urged voters to assess the performance of the current administration and decide whether the state needed continuity or a new direction.
He said, his ambition was driven by the desire to improve healthcare, education, infrastructure and agriculture in the state.
Engr. Jaji lamented over the poor healthcare facilities in Taraba, alleging that the state lacked critical diagnostic equipment such as MRI and CT scan machines, thereby forcing residents to seek medical treatment outside the state.
He also raised concerns over education standard, unpaid salaries, poor welfare for teachers and inadequate infrastructure, insisting that Taraba had remained underdeveloped despite its enormous natural and agricultural potentials.
The APC governorship aspirant, however, demanded a free, fair and transparent primary election, and warned against alleged attempts to manipulate the process.
He urged the APC leadership to clearly identify designated ward centres for voting and to ensure election materials were distributed transparently.
According to him, any attempt to relocate voting centres or conduct the exercise outside approved locations could undermine the credibility of the primary.
“There must be honesty, there must be transparency and there must be a level playing field,” he said.
Engr. Jaji, said despite his concerns, the contest was not a do-or-die affair, saying he would support whoever emerges as the APC candidate if the process is credible.
“If I lose under a transparent process, I will support the winner. But if I am manipulated out of the process, it will be difficult,” he said.
Engr. Jaji urged Tarabans to make a wise choice in the coming political process, saying the future of the state depended on transparent leadership and accountable governance.
