2027: I’ll win APC governorship ticket in Taraba If primaries are credible — Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman
Former Minister of Power and governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Engr. Saleh Mamman, has expressed confidence that he will secure the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, provided the primaries are conducted in a credible manner.
Mamman made the declaration on Monday while speaking with journalists at his residence in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, where he also advocated for direct primaries as the best option for selecting candidates.
According to him, allowing party members at the grassroots to determine the party’s candidate would ensure fairness and produce the most popular aspirant.
“What we mostly believe in is direct primary elections, the people at the grassroots should be allowed to come out and make a choice of their leaders, I have been one of the founding fathers of the APC, I have my party members at all levels and if credible primary elections are conducted, I don’t see any aspirants to defeat me in the race,” he said.
The former minister also argued that his role as one of the founding members of the APC in Taraba gives him an edge over other contenders, noting that his long-standing political structure across wards would be decisive.
“The new party members who joined us in APC recently may not know what we have planted at ward levels before they came on board, with the level of engagement have done within the few days I came into Jalingo, am very sure of success if credible primary elections are conducted,” Mamman added.
Mamman further pointed to the turnout of supporters during his recent arrival in Jalingo as evidence of growing support for his ambition and a perceived demand for new leadership in the state.
“I have engaged people at various levels before coming into the governorship race, when I came last Saturday, the number people that came out to welcome me was a clear communication that the people need change in the government house which am ready and capable to provide if given a chance,” he stated.
The former minister was reportedly received by a large crowd of supporters at the airport during his arrival in the state.
Meanwhile, the incumbent governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, who is serving his first term, has also indicated interest in contesting for the APC governorship ticket ahead of the party’s forthcoming primary elections, setting the stage for a potentially competitive race within the party.