2027: PDP Candidates Unveil Development Agenda for Southern Taraba
JALINGO — As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in Southern Taraba have unveiled a development-focused campaign agenda centred on infrastructure, healthcare, youth employment, agriculture and peace-building.
Dr Jesse Adi Ashumate, the PDP candidate for Taraba South Senatorial District, and Mukhtar Usman Galadima, the party’s candidate for Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency, outlined their priorities during a joint press conference as they formally positioned their campaigns around issues affecting communities across the zone.
The candidates said their legislative agenda would focus on improving opportunities for young people, strengthening agriculture, expanding access to healthcare, attracting infrastructure development and promoting peaceful coexistence.
One of the major issues highlighted at the briefing was the completion of the Ibi Bridge, an important federal infrastructure project expected to improve connectivity and economic activities in Taraba State and neighbouring areas.
Galadima pledged to use legislative engagement and representation to push for the completion of the bridge as well as other projects considered abandoned or requiring greater government attention within the constituency.
Healthcare also featured prominently in the agenda, with the candidates drawing attention to plans for a new 50-bed medical facility expected to become operational before the end of 2026.
They said efforts would be made to explore the integration of the facility into the National Health Insurance Authority framework to improve access to affordable healthcare.
Ashumate, meanwhile, emphasised youth empowerment, agriculture and stronger representation for communities across Southern Taraba, arguing that elected representatives must maintain regular engagement with their constituents rather than limiting interaction to election periods.
The development signals an emerging shift in the Southern Taraba campaign towards specific policy and infrastructure commitments as candidates begin presenting their programmes to voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
With campaigns gathering momentum, issues surrounding the completion of federal projects, healthcare delivery, employment opportunities, agricultural development and effective representation are expected to feature prominently in political discussions across the zone.
The commitments also provide benchmarks against which voters may assess the candidates as the election approaches, particularly on their plans for the Ibi Bridge and other longstanding infrastructure challenges affecting Southern Taraba.
Details regarding the ownership, funding, construction status and proposed commencement of operations at the 50-bed medical facility were not immediately available.
As political activities intensify, attention is expected to turn increasingly from party alignments and endorsements to what individual candidates are offering communities and how their promises could translate into tangible development.
