Nigeria: 2027 - INEC Lists 35 Candidates for Taraba Senate Elections

What the report says

The Independent National Electoral Commission has released a final list of 35 candidates for Taraba State’s three Senate seats ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, according to Premium Times as republished by AllAfrica. The contests are set for Taraba North, Taraba Central and Taraba South, with the senatorial vote scheduled for 16 January 2027.

The list, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, shows Taraba Central has the most candidates at 14, followed by Taraba North with 11 and Taraba South with 10. Incumbent senators from the APC will be on the ballot in all three districts: David Jimkuta in Taraba South, Haruna Manu in Taraba Central and Shuaibu Lau in Taraba North. Their opponents come from a range of parties including the ADC, Accord, APGA, APM, Labour Party, PDP, SDP, YPP and others.

The article says the race is taking place against major political shifts in Taraba. It points to the defection of Governor Agbu Kefas and two of the three sitting senators from the PDP to the APC, a move that has strengthened the ruling party’s position in the state. The opposition is now trying to rebuild its structures and mobilize support, making the January 2027 contest an early test of party strength in Taraba.