By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
Former Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, has undergone screening for the 2027 Taraba State governorship race as the All Progressives Congress (APC) commenced its screening exercise ahead of the party’s primaries.
Jaji was screened on Sunday at the APC Kaduna State House, where he declared his readiness to reposition Taraba State for sustainable growth and development.
The former minister, an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Building, said his decision to join the governorship race was driven by concerns over what he described as the slow pace of development in Taraba State since its creation 35 years ago.
According to him, rather than continue to complain about the situation in the state, he chose to actively participate in efforts aimed at changing its fortunes.
“Rather than sit and complain about the backwardness of our state after thirty-five years of its creation, I would rather throw my hat into the ring and contest,” he said.
Jaji also endorsed the APC’s adoption of direct primaries, noting that the process would allow aspirants to test their popularity and acceptance among party members.
“This is democracy. With direct primaries, you are bound to test your popularity and acceptability rather than rely on games and gimmicks associated with indirect primaries or consensus candidacy,” he added.
Speaking on the prospect of challenging an incumbent administration, the former minister said available records on the state’s development indicators, debt profile and human capital performance showed the need for a new direction.
“Go and check the developmental index of my dear state. Check our debt profile and human capital indicators; the records are there. I am tired of complaining. I would rather join the race to salvage my home state than sit on the fence,” he stated.
Jaji commended the APC screening committee for what he described as a transparent and professional exercise, particularly praising the chairman of the panel, Benjamin Obi Nwoye.
“I must candidly appreciate the humility and professionalism of the committee. Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye-led committee impressed me deeply. Their commitment to ethical standards, simplicity and camaraderie was commendable,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the same level of organisation and transparency would be replicated during the state primaries to ensure a credible process.
Jaji further stated that his ambition was centred on rebuilding Taraba State and restoring hope to the people through infrastructure development, human capital investment and economic growth.
The outcome of the screening exercise is expected to be released in the coming days ahead of the APC governorship primaries in Taraba State.
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