2027: 19 Candidates Battle For Taraba Governorship As Kefas, Bwacha Swap Parties

By Trending9ja Staff • November 8, 2026 • 1 min read

As political actors prepare for the 2027 general elections, attention is increasingly turning to Northern Nigeria and specifically the governorship race in Taraba State, according to a report by Daily Post. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed 19 candidates for the election, setting up what political observers describe as one of the most crowded contests in the state's history.

Daily Post reported that the key candidates in the battle for the top state office include the incumbent governor, Agbu Kefas, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC). He will face competition from former Senator Emmanuel Bwacha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Senator Abubakar Umar Tutare, who is contesting on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

A major talking point in the upcoming election is the reversal of political parties by the main political figures. Governor Kefas had contested and won the 2023 governorship election under the umbrella of the PDP before switching allegiance to the APC. Conversely, Bwacha, who flew the APC flag during the 2023 election, is now the candidate for the PDP.

The political shift has raised questions about whether the movement of top politicians between parties will translate into votes at the polling units. Beyond party allegiance, Daily Post noted that public dissatisfaction over economic hardship, security concerns, unemployment, and performance in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure will play a crucial role in deciding the election outcome.

Speaking on the governor's prospects, an APC chieftain, Ismaila Abba, informed Daily Post that Governor Kefas intends to campaign on his record in office. Abba highlighted the administration's free primary and secondary education initiative alongside other developmental projects as key achievements that could help secure voter support across the state.

Sources: Daily Post