2027: TARABA TIV COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND APC WOMEN LEADER, HAILS KEFAS ON INCLUSION
The reception, held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Pastoral Centre, Jalingo, attracted members of the APC State Working Committee, political stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, women, youths and Tiv people from different parts of Taraba State.
Beyond celebrating Mchivga’s emergence as the APC State Women Leader, the gathering assumed political significance ahead of the 2027 general elections as speakers called for greater unity, participation and strategic engagement by the Tiv community in the affairs of the state.
Community leaders said the Tiv people were prepared to work peacefully with other ethnic groups while continuing to advocate adequate representation and development in communities where they reside.
TIV COMMUNITY COMMENDS KEFAS
In his welcome address, President-General of the Tiv Cultural Association in Taraba State, Chief James Vakaa, said the gathering was organised primarily to honour Mchivga and formally celebrate her emergence as a prominent female political leader from the community.
Vakaa thanked members of the community and invited guests for turning out in large numbers to identify with her.
He also commended Governor Kefas for appointing Tiv sons and daughters into positions in his administration, describing the development as recognition of the community’s place in Taraba State.
According to him, the reception was not only about celebrating an individual but also about strengthening unity and solidarity among Tiv people in the state.
He acknowledged the leadership of the APC State Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Bawa, as well as traditional rulers, religious leaders, political stakeholders and other individuals who supported the event.
Vakaa urged Tiv people to continue embracing peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with the government and other communities in Taraba.
APC: TIV COMMUNITY WILL NOT BE LEFT BEHIND
The Taraba State APC Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Bawa, represented at the event by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Aaron Artimas, said the party recognised the political and socio-economic contributions of the Tiv population in Taraba.
Artimas said Tiv people have a presence across several local government areas and constitute an important segment of the state’s electorate.
He assured the gathering that the community would not be left behind in the political and developmental affairs of Taraba State.
The APC spokesman particularly commended Mchivga for her commitment to the party, describing her as a loyal party member who has contributed to mobilisation among women, Tiv communities and other supporters.
He said her willingness to commit personal resources to party activities demonstrated dedication that deserved recognition.
Artimas urged the community to remain united and politically active, assuring them that the APC leadership would continue to recognise individuals and communities contributing to the growth of the party.
TRADITIONAL RULERS WARNED AGAINST POLITICAL MANIPULATION
Guest Speaker at the occasion, Dr. Chia Azuaga, Director of the SANWICH Programme at Taraba State University, Jalingo, shifted attention to the responsibilities of traditional institutions during elections.
Speaking on the topic, “The Roles of Traditional Rulers in Electoral Processes in Their Communities,” Azuaga said traditional and religious leaders have important responsibilities in promoting peaceful, credible and participatory elections.
He argued that traditional rulers should provide guidance and wise counsel to politicians rather than allow political actors to determine how traditional institutions perform their responsibilities.
According to him, the respect commanded by traditional and religious leaders gives them considerable influence in promoting peaceful coexistence, responsible political participation and development within their communities.
Azuaga also challenged the Tiv community to move beyond making demands at political gatherings and develop a clearly documented development blueprint.
He said such a blueprint should identify the major infrastructure, economic, educational and social needs of Tiv communities across Taraba State and serve as a reference point when engaging government.
According to him, having clearly defined priorities would make it easier for government and other development partners to understand the community’s needs and determine areas where interventions are required.
He urged the Tiv people to remain organised, united and proactive in pursuing their development aspirations.
MCHIVGA PRESENTED TO TIV COMMUNITY
A major highlight of the reception was the formal presentation of Hon. Princess Margaret Tor Mchivga to the Tiv community by Hon. T.T. Shaaka.
Shaaka called on members of the community to rally around Mchivga and support her as she carries out her responsibilities as the APC State Women Leader.
The presentation was received by participants as a symbolic affirmation of support for one of the community’s daughters occupying a senior position within the ruling party in the state.
Speakers at the gathering also called for greater political cooperation among Tiv people as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
They stressed, however, the importance of maintaining peaceful relationships with other ethnic and religious communities in the state.
MCHIVGA: MY POSITION IS A CALL TO SERVICE
Responding to the honour, Mchivga thanked the Tiv community for the reception, describing her emergence as APC Women Leader as a responsibility rather than merely a political appointment.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas, First Lady Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, the APC leadership and other stakeholders for their support.
Mchivga also acknowledged Senator David S. Jimkuta for his support and contributions to her political journey.
She pledged to work with women across the 16 local government areas of Taraba State and advocate increased opportunities for women in politics, governance, entrepreneurship and community development.
According to her, women should not be regarded merely as supporters mobilised during elections but as critical stakeholders capable of occupying leadership positions and contributing to policy and development.
She called on women across Taraba to organise themselves, participate actively in political activities and build bridges across ethnic, religious and political differences.
The APC Women Leader also urged young women and girls to take education seriously and believe in their ability to attain leadership positions.
She pledged to remain accessible and responsive while seeking the cooperation of traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, political stakeholders and members of the APC.
2027 POLITICS TAKES CENTRE STAGE
Although organised principally as a reception for the APC Women Leader, discussions at the gathering reflected the increasing political activities taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With political parties strengthening their structures and mobilising communities across Taraba State, the Tiv gathering provided the APC an opportunity to engage a community its officials described as an important part of the state’s electorate.
The Tiv leadership, on its part, used the event to highlight representation, development and greater inclusion in governance.
The community also reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence with other ethnic groups and continued participation in the political and socio-economic development of Taraba State.
For Mchivga, the reception represented both recognition and an expectation of greater responsibility as she takes on the task of mobilising women across Taraba State.
And as the political atmosphere gradually builds towards 2027, the extent to which community mobilisation, representation and development demands shape political alignments is expected to become increasingly prominent across the state.
