JALINGO — The Accord Party candidate for the Karim Lamido, Ardo-Kola and Lau Federal Constituency of Taraba State, Dr. Tijo Kenneth Mingeh, has urged voters to reject politicians who have failed to deliver on their mandates in previous elections.
Mingeh made the call on Wednesday in Jalingo while formally declaring the commencement of his campaign for the House of Representatives seat in the 2027 general elections.
The candidate urged constituents to critically assess the performance of their elected representatives and use their votes to effect change where necessary.
He particularly criticised what he described as the growing disconnect between some elected representatives and the people after securing electoral mandates, stressing that representatives must remain accessible and responsive to their constituents.
“Any politician that has not performed should not be allowed to return for a second term. The era of nonchalant attitude during elections is no longer realistic. The people have the power to change their representatives through their votes,” he said.
Mingeh, who said he had been involved in politics for about two decades, alleged that the incumbent representative had become disconnected from the people, particularly rural farmers across the constituency.
He said his proposed representation would be accessible, inclusive and people-oriented, with regular consultations with constituents to identify challenges and pursue practical solutions.
The candidate outlined security, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, health and education as key pillars of his proposed legislative agenda.
On security, Mingeh promised to collaborate with relevant federal security agencies to address farmer-herder conflicts and other forms of criminality affecting communities within the constituency.
He also pledged to pursue federal infrastructure projects, including rural roads, boreholes, electricity expansion, transformers and mini-solar grids to improve living conditions and stimulate economic activities.
Agriculture, he said, would receive special attention, noting that a significant majority of residents in the constituency depend on farming for their livelihoods.
Mingeh promised to facilitate agricultural value-chain programmes, skills acquisition centres, support for small and medium-scale enterprises and empowerment initiatives targeted at youths and women.
On healthcare, he pledged to pursue the upgrading of primary healthcare centres, improve access to essential medicines and support measures to make anti-snake venom available to rural communities.
In education, he promised to pursue scholarship opportunities and support for indigent students, stressing that children from disadvantaged backgrounds should not be left behind.
Mingeh said a comprehensive manifesto containing detailed sector-by-sector programmes for the constituency would be unveiled to the electorate at a later date.
He also assured voters that his campaign would remain issue-based, peaceful and respectful, with emphasis on policies, ideas and practical solutions rather than personal attacks.
“We will run an issue-based, peaceful and respectful campaign. No insults, no violence, only ideas and solutions,” he said.
The candidate called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a free, fair and credible election in 2027.
He further urged voters to exercise their constitutional right without intimidation and elect representatives capable of delivering meaningful development to the constituency.
Mingeh pledged to remain accessible to constituents if elected, promising regular consultations on policies, projects and programmes affecting the people.
He maintained that effective legislative representation must be driven by the needs, aspirations and priorities of the constituents.
