From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
After months of mounting calls from youths, women’s groups, and community leaders, Hon. Emmanuel Tabat Khoza has finally yielded to pressure and agreed to run for the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections.
The grassroots politician and philanthropist announced his decision following a series of town hall meetings and ward consultations across the constituency, during which constituents openly urged him to represent them in the National Assembly.
Speaking to a large crowd of supporters at his rural home over the weekend, Hon. Khoza said he could no longer ignore repeated appeals from his people who believe he can provide quality representation.
“I have heard you clearly. Your voices have been loud, consistent, and sincere. Today, I am bowing to your call. I will contest for the House of Representatives in 2027 by the grace of God,” he declared to thunderous applause.
He explained that the decision was not made lightly but resulted from deep reflection, prayer, and consultations with family, political allies, and traditional institutions within the constituency.
According to him, the people deserve a voice that understands their pains, shares their struggles, and is willing to fight for their interests at the federal level.
In light of this, Hon. Emmanuel Tabat Khoza has started consulting stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the constituency and other important parties outside the party structure.
Sources close to his campaign team confirmed that these consultations have been extensive, involving ward presiding officers, local government party officials, youth leaders, women leaders, religious figures, and traditional rulers.
The move, political analysts say, shows a serious, organized approach to his ambition as he seeks to build a broad coalition ahead of the party primaries.
Constituents who spoke with our correspondent said Hon. Khoza’s acceptance has renewed political enthusiasm across the federal constituency, with many describing him as a “bridge between the old and the young.”
Mrs. Rahab Danjuma, a woman leader from one of the wards, said they support him because of his record of helping widows, paying school fees for needy students, and empowering rural farmers even without holding public office.
He listens and acts. We are tired of representatives who disappear after elections. Emmanuel has been with us even without a mandate. Imagine what he will do with one,” she said.
Youth leader Comrade Bitrus Yakubu noted that the call for Hon. Khoza to run began in early 2025, as several communities began facing challenges such as poor federal infrastructure, unemployment, and insecurity.
“We needed someone who knows our terrain and can advocate for projects effectively. After many meetings, we decided he’s the best person for the job, and we pressured him daily,” Yakubu explained.
Reacting to his declaration, a respected member of the APC in the area, who asked to remain anonymous, said Hon. Khoza’s entry into the race has shifted the political landscape, calling him a “credible and sellable candidate.”
He added that the party would gain from choosing a grassroots mobilizer who already has acceptance across religious and ethnic groups in the constituency.
During one of his consultations with party stakeholders, Hon. Khoza promised to run an issue-focused campaign centered on education, rural roads, healthcare, job creation, and peacebuilding.
He emphasized that strong legislation and oversight are crucial for attracting federal support and pledged to work with state and local governments to ensure constituency projects are completed and maintained.
The candidate also assured delegates and party leaders that he would respect internal party processes and promote unity. He said his ambition is a call to service, not a do-or-die pursuit.
Traditional leaders in the constituency welcomed his decision. One stated, “Emmanuel is our son, and his heart has always been with the people. We will pray for him and guide him.”
As part of his ongoing consultations, Hon. Khoza has met with artisan groups, market women’s associations, students’ unions, and persons with disabilities to gather ideas for his legislative plan.
He stressed that his campaign would be driven by the people and based on data, adding that a technical committee is already collecting the development needs of each ward to shape his agenda.
With the 2027 elections still months away, political experts believe Hon. Emmanuel Tabat Khoza’s early announcement and wide-ranging consultations give him a head start and position him as a leading contender for the House of Representatives seat.
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