A Call to Rebuild Taraba: Senator Emmanuel Bwacha Declares 2027 Governorship Ambition
By Audu Solomon Maiyakii
Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, witnessed a large crowd as Senator Emmanuel E. Bwacha, Esq., CON, formally declared his intention to contest in the 2027 governorship election under the people Democratic Party (PDP).
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Speaking to journalists after his declaration, Bwacha reflected on his previous candidacy in 2023, noting that while he was on the ballot then, the focus now must shift from the past to the future of Taraba State.
He recalled that during the burial of his sister, Alice, he had stated he would not run again if the dividends of democracy were reaching the people. However, he expressed concern that the situation has worsened, with increasing hardship and suffering across the state.
According to him, his decision to re-enter the race followed extensive consultations and persistent calls from stakeholders across Taraba. He emphasized that his ambition is not driven by personal interest but by the urgent need to address the current realities facing the people.
Bwacha lamented what he described as political, social, and moral decline in the state, stressing that public trust in governance has significantly eroded. He warned that remaining silent in such circumstances amounts to complicity, quoting Edmund Burke to underscore his point.
He further criticized what he termed a lack of transparency, disregard for the rule of law, fiscal irresponsibility, and poor economic planning. He highlighted issues such as failing infrastructure, an underfunded education system, excessive borrowing, and governance that prioritizes luxury over public service.
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The senator raised alarm over the state’s rising debt profile, stating that it has increased from about ₦237 billion in 2023 to over ₦1 trillion within three years. He said this development raises serious concerns about accountability and leadership capacity.
Reflecting on the past, Bwacha noted that Taraba experienced relative progress under the late Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai before the 2012 plane crash, after which the state began to decline. He added that even during periods of political instability between 2013 and 2015, the situation was not as severe as it is today.
He described the current state of affairs as one where governance has drifted away from the people, poverty has deepened, infrastructure has deteriorated, insecurity has spread, and agriculture has weakened.
Declaring his vision for the state, Bwacha pledged to usher in a new era defined by transparency, unity, and meaningful development. He promised a clear departure from what he described as the current system, focusing instead on structural reforms that directly improve citizens’ lives.
He outlined key priorities across sectors:
Education: Investment in teacher training, improved welfare, and proper funding, alongside partnerships with institutions and technology hubs.
Agriculture: Development of value chains, improved market access, and increased participation of youth and women.
Economy: Responsible management of mineral resources for the benefit of all citizens.
Healthcare: Expansion of functional health centres and improved healthcare delivery systems.
Digital Economy: Increased connectivity and support for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Youth and Sports: Development of sporting hubs and recreational facilities.
Infrastructure: Construction and rehabilitation of roads and improved urban and rural connectivity.
Civil Service: Reforms to ensure transparency, fair compensation, and efficiency.
Bwacha stated that his vision is to build a Taraba where every citizen feels a sense of belonging and where leadership is accountable to the people.
He emphasized the importance of unity, urging citizens to rise above ethnic and religious divisions in pursuit of collective progress. Quoting Abraham Lincoln, he noted that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.”
Acknowledging that the journey ahead may be challenging, he expressed confidence that with courage, transparency, and inclusiveness, Taraba can overcome its current challenges.
He concluded by calling on all Tarabans to join him in rebuilding trust, restoring dignity, and creating a future grounded in justice, prosperity, and hope.
