Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in Taraba State have listed development, youth empowerment, healthcare, infrastructure and peace-building among their priorities for the 2027 National Assembly elections.
The candidates, Dr Jesse Adi Ashumate, who is seeking election to represent Taraba South Senatorial District, and TPL Mukhtar Usman Galadima, the party’s candidate for Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency, made their positions known at a joint press conference in Abuja.
Ashumate said his legislative agenda would focus on creating opportunities for young people through agriculture, entrepreneurship and employment-oriented programmes.
He said greater attention to agriculture could provide economic opportunities for youths in Southern Taraba.
“We will make sure that our young men are reached by programmes that will empower them financially or boost their businesses. Agriculture-related activities, if promoted, will economically empower the youth of the Southern zone,” he said.
The candidate also identified peace and unity among communities in Southern Taraba as key areas requiring attention, saying prolonged divisions had contributed to recurring crises in the area.
Ashumate said, if elected, he would sponsor legislation and pursue partnerships aimed at attracting development to the senatorial district.
He also referred to his previous experience in government, saying it would help him contribute to initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for young people.
“By the grace of God, if I get there, life should be better for our people,” he said.
On his part, Galadima said his campaign would focus on healthcare, infrastructure, employment, youth and women’s empowerment, as well as peace-building.
He identified the completion of abandoned health facilities and infrastructure projects, including the Ibi Bridge, as priorities for the constituency.
Galadima said improved road and bridge networks would enhance connectivity between Taraba and neighbouring states, including Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe and Nasarawa, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
On healthcare, he said a newly established 50-bed medical facility was expected to become operational before the end of the year.
He said plans were also underway to integrate the facility into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) framework to improve access to affordable healthcare.
Galadima acknowledged that legislators do not directly execute projects but said effective representation, legislation, advocacy and collaboration could facilitate federal intervention in the constituency.
“Through legislation and collaboration, we will see that there is peace, unity and stability in our area. We will also ensure empowerment for our youths and women, as well as job availability,” he said.
He said he would also establish mechanisms for regular engagement with constituents, including town hall meetings and a Constituency Consultative Assembly.
According to him, such platforms would enable residents across wards and local government areas to communicate their needs and participate in discussions on development priorities.
Both candidates said they would maintain functional constituency offices and remain accessible to constituents if elected.
Galadima, a professional urban and regional planner and former senior official of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, said his campaign would comply with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The candidates called on voters in Taraba South and Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency to support their respective bids, saying their legislative priorities would centre on development, accountability, employment, empowerment and peaceful coexistence.
