DANLADI BAIDO TIJO: EXPERIENCE, GRASSROOTS STRENGTH AND THE POLITICAL ASSET IN KEFAS’ 2027 CAMPAIGN
By Pastor Elvis Nkubuin
As the political atmosphere in Taraba State gradually builds towards the 2027 general elections, one politician whose experience and grassroots influence cannot easily be overlooked is Hon. Danladi Baido Tijo.
A former member of the House of Representatives and the 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Taraba State, Baido has accumulated decades of experience across party politics, public administration and elective office.
His emergence as a key figure in the political machinery of Governor Agbu Kefas brings into focus some of the qualities his supporters believe make him particularly suited for political mobilisation and campaign organisation.
A Wealth of Administrative Experience
One of Baido’s strongest credentials is his extensive experience in government and public administration.
Over the years, he has occupied positions that exposed him to some of the most important areas of governance in Taraba State.
As a former Commissioner for Finance, he was involved in the management of the state’s finances, including expenditure and internally generated revenue.
He also served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Chairman of the Local Government Joint Account Committee.
Those responsibilities gave him considerable exposure to grassroots administration, local government financing and the workings of traditional institutions.
His supporters consequently see him as a politician who understands government beyond campaigns and elections.
From the Grassroots to the National Assembly
Baido’s political journey did not begin at the top.
His involvement in politics dates back to the grassroots, including service at ward level. That early exposure enabled him to develop relationships across communities and political structures long before attaining higher public office.
He eventually represented Karim Lamido/Lau/Ardo-Kola Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, taking his political career from grassroots organisation to the federal legislature.
In 2023, he took another major step by contesting the Taraba State governorship election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party.
Although he did not win the election, the contest further established him as one of the state’s recognised political actors.
Political Influence Beyond Public Office
Another quality frequently highlighted by Baido’s supporters is his ability to remain politically relevant even when he does not occupy government office.
Political leadership is not always measured by the office a person holds. The capacity to organise people, maintain relationships and mobilise supporters is equally important.
Baido has demonstrated an ability to retain political networks and command the loyalty of supporters across different periods of his career.
This is particularly important in a state such as Taraba, where successful political mobilisation requires engagement with communities, wards, local governments, traditional institutions, religious groups and other interests.
Loyalty and Political Consistency
Loyalty has also featured prominently in Baido’s political story.
His political relationship with former Taraba State Governor Rev. Jolly T. Nyame dates back many years. He served as an aide to Nyame and remained associated with him through different phases of his political career.
For his supporters, this history portrays Baido as someone who values relationships and does not abandon political associates simply because circumstances have changed.
In Nigerian politics, where alliances can change overnight, such consistency can become a valuable political asset.
Humility and Accessibility
Despite occupying several important positions, Baido has often been described by his supporters and associates as calm, humble and accessible.
Leadership requires more than experience and political connections. It also requires the ability to listen, interact with ordinary citizens and understand their concerns.
His supporters regard his relatively gentle disposition as one of the attributes that has helped him maintain relationships across different political and social groups.
Commitment to Education and Personal Development
Baido’s political and administrative experience is complemented by his educational background.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Ambrose Alli University and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Psychology from the University of Jos.
These qualifications provide academic grounding in administration and human behaviour that complements his practical experience in government and politics.
A Strategic Asset for Governor Kefas
The combination of administrative experience, grassroots political exposure, loyalty, accessibility and political mobilisation makes Baido an important figure as Governor Agbu Kefas prepares for the next political contest.
The task before any campaign leadership in Taraba is enormous.
It requires building bridges across ethnic, religious and political divides, reconciling competing interests, mobilising supporters at ward and polling-unit levels and communicating the administration’s message effectively to the electorate.
Baido brings years of practical political experience to that assignment.
Governor Agbu Kefas has, in my view, found an experienced Director-General who understands both the grassroots and the workings of government.
Ultimately, however, Baido and the campaign organisation will be judged not merely by reputation or previous positions, but by their ability to translate experience into organisation, unity and electoral support.
For those of us who have followed his political journey, his greatest strength remains the combination of grassroots connection, political loyalty and decades of hands-on administrative experience.
The assignment ahead is demanding, but Governor Kefas has an experienced political hand in Hon. Danladi Baido Tijo.
By the grace of God, we expect him to deliver.
