From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Taraba State, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, has explained that his choice of Engr. Aminu Zakari as his running mate for the 2027 general election was informed by the latter’s track record in public service and unquestionable integrity, describing him as a leader who reflects the future the party seeks to build.
Bwacha also issued a strong warning to individuals or groups allegedly planning to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 governorship election in Taraba, cautioning them to brace for the consequences of such actions.
The PDP standard-bearer spoke in Jalingo during the formal unveiling of Engr. Zakari as the party’s deputy governorship candidate before party supporters and residents of the state.
According to him, the era when election results were allegedly written in secret had come to an end, stressing that anyone attempting to undermine the will of the people would be held accountable.
“We seek to build a Taraba where agriculture creates wealth, education unlocks opportunities, health care restores dignity, enterprise flourishes, infrastructure connects communities and government earns the trust of the people through integrity, competence and results,” he said.
Bwacha further stated that his ambition was driven by a higher calling rather than a personal quest for power, adding that his mission was to restore hope and help write a new chapter that every Taraban would be proud of.
“I have listened to farmers asking only for roads that connect them to markets, I have listened to young graduates asking not for favours, but for opportunities, I have listened to mothers asking not for miracles, but for schools that educate, hospitals that heal and communities where their children can dream without fear. Their voices are different. Their hopes are the same. The greatest cry of our people is not for another politician. It is for trustworthy leadership. That conviction shaped one of the most important decisions of this journey,” he said.
Speaking on his decision to pick Engr. Zakari as his running mate, the three-term senator said the choice was not based on political convenience but on the belief that leadership should place competence, character and service above personal interests.
In his acceptance speech, Engr. Zakari described his nomination as a moment of deep reflection, expressing gratitude for being selected from among thousands of qualified young people in the state.
He pledged total loyalty to the governorship candidate, respect for the rule of law and commitment to ensuring that the mandate of the party, if elected, would deliver meaningful benefits to the people.
Also speaking at the event, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Ambassador Jika Hassan Ardo, praised Bwacha as an experienced grassroots politician who has traversed every part of Taraba, Nigeria and beyond.
He described the governorship candidate as a committed and unifying leader, expressing confidence that a Bwacha administration would foster peace among the diverse communities in the state. He urged residents to vote for Bwacha and other PDP candidates in the 2027 elections.
Earlier, the state chairman of the party, Alhaji Ibrahim Abba Sale, described Bwacha and his running mate as leaders capable of restoring lasting hope to the people of Taraba.
He prayed for a peaceful and successful 2027 general election and wished all PDP candidates victory at the polls.
