By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi, popularly known as “Danji SS,” has formally declared his intention to contest the Taraba governorship in 2027 on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA).
In a statement released on Friday, Shiddi said his decision followed deep reflection, extensive consultations, and a sincere commitment to the future of the state.
He framed the bid not as personal ambition, but as a sense of duty, responsibility, and hope for a better Taraba.
The former House of Representatives member painted a grim picture of the state’s current condition, citing deteriorating roads, struggling healthcare, under-equipped schools, and rising insecurity. He said many young graduates remain unemployed while families work harder but continue to see diminishing hope.
“What is even more painful is the growing culture of silence around these challenges,” Shiddi said.
“Many have become afraid to speak the truth. Some have accepted failure as normal, while others continue to defend a system that is clearly not serving the people,” he added.
He argued that Taraba, despite its human and natural resources, is lagging behind states created at the same time. “This is not the future we were promised,” he emphasized.
Shiddi pledged a leadership built on service, accountability, vision, and measurable results, stressing that government must work for all regardless of tribe, religion, zone, or political affiliation. He said the 2027 election should focus on competence, character, compassion, and capacity, not zonal politics.
Directing his message to young people, he said they deserve a government that treats them as partners and invests in education, technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and sports.
“The time has come for a new generation of leadership that is honest, accessible, transparent, and people-driven,” he stated.
“I offer myself to serve with humility, courage, fairness, and integrity,” Shiddi said.
“But this journey is not about one man. It is about all of us. Together, we can change the narrative, restore confidence in leadership, and build a Taraba that works for everyone,” he added.
He concluded by asking for the people’s support and prayers as he begins what he described as “a movement to democratically rescue and rebuild our dear state in 2027.”
Shiddi’s declaration adds to the growing political realignment ahead of 2027, with several stakeholders recently linking up with his camp.
