RismadarVoice Reporters, June 1, 2026
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) appears to be strengthening its political footing in Taraba State amid growing internal challenges confronting the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Political observers say the ADC’s rising profile in the state is being driven by the presence of established political figures who have aligned with the party, giving it added visibility and organisational depth. In contrast, the NDC continues to face difficulties gaining wider acceptance due to its relatively recent emergence in Taraba and the limited presence of recognised political heavyweights.
Both parties recently concluded their primary elections, producing candidates for key positions in what observers described as largely peaceful exercises.
For the ADC, Senator Abubakar Umar Tutare emerged as the governorship candidate after securing the party ticket unopposed. Party officials described the process as transparent and orderly, involving participation from stakeholders across the state’s local government areas through a mix of direct primaries and consensus arrangements.
Although the exercise recorded no major disruptions, the party disclosed that certificates of return would be temporarily withheld to allow its appeal committee to address any petitions from aggrieved members.
At the presidential level, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar secured a decisive victory in the ADC primary in Taraba after polling 48,523 votes ahead of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Election officials said results were collated from all 16 local government areas and across 168 wards, commending members for maintaining peace during the process.
Political analysts believe the emergence of Tutare and Atiku has strengthened ADC’s standing and positioned the party as a potentially serious contender in Taraba ahead of 2027.
By contrast, the NDC appears weighed down by disputes following its governorship primary, which produced Philip Johnson as the party’s flagbearer.
The outcome has been rejected by Professor Sani Yahaya, a former Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University and fellow governorship aspirant, sparking dissatisfaction among party members aligned with him. Calls have since emerged for national party leadership to intervene and resolve the crisis.
The controversy has heightened concerns over internal cohesion at a critical stage of the party’s growth in the state.
As political activities continue to intensify, observers suggest ADC may enter the election season with growing momentum, while the NDC faces the immediate challenge of resolving internal disagreements and building broader voter confidence.
Whether the NDC can recover from its divisions or ADC can sustain its current trajectory could shape the emerging political landscape in Taraba as the 2027 elections approach.
