By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
In a powerful display of political solidarity and grassroots mobilisation, the women of Taraba State have officially launched a campaign to deliver one million votes for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Agbu Kefas in the 2027 general elections. The declaration, made during the state’s commemoration of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), transformed the annual celebration into a significant political rally, underscoring the growing influence of women in shaping the region’s political future.
The event, which drew thousands of women from across the state’s sixteen local government areas, was organised under the auspices of the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development. It served a dual purpose: to honour the achievements of women and to strategically align their collective voting strength behind the current administrations, which they credit for transformative policies impacting their lives.
A Celebration of Progress and a Call to Action
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Mary Sinjen JP, framed the occasion as a pivotal moment for women in the state. “As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, we in Taraba State are doing more than just celebrating; we are taking our destiny into our hands,” she declared. “This is a historic moment of purpose and commitment. We are not merely observers of the political process; we are active participants and kingmakers.”
Mrs. Sinjen’s speech strategically linked the global IWD theme, “Give to Gain,” to the local political context. She argued that the significant gains made by women under the current administrations at both the federal and state levels necessitated a unified commitment to ensure their continuity. “To gain the continuation of these life-changing policies, we must give our unalloyed support. Our votes are our voice, and in 2027, one million Taraba women will speak loudly and clearly for continuity, progress, and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she asserted.
Federal Policies Lauded Under Renewed Hope Agenda
The Commissioner provided a detailed account of what she described as “transformative strides” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. She specifically highlighted the implementation of the National Child Protection Policy, which aims to create a safer environment for children across the country. Furthermore, she praised the launch of the $50 million Women Empowerment Initiative for Export (WEIDE) fund, a programme designed to provide female entrepreneurs with the capital and support needed to scale their businesses and compete in the international market.
Mrs. Sinjen also acknowledged the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her advocacy and pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). She noted that the First Lady’s interventions have been instrumental in complementing government efforts, particularly in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment. The Commissioner pointed to the establishment of over 50 Sexual Assault Referral Centres nationwide as a testament to the administration’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and children.
Kefas’ ‘Moving Forward’ Agenda: A Game Changer for Taraba
Turning her focus to the state level, Mrs. Sinjen lauded Governor Agbu Kefas for his transformative policies under the “Moving Forward Agenda.” The introduction of free education from primary to secondary school was highlighted as a landmark achievement that has alleviated the financial burden on families, particularly mothers, and drastically improved school enrolment figures across Taraba.
“Governor Kefas has shown that he understands the challenges of the Taraba woman,” the Commissioner stated. “By removing the barrier of school fees, he has given our children a future and our women a chance to invest their meagre resources in other areas of family welfare.”
She also praised the administration’s focus on community safety and the strengthening of the state’s judicial system. The creation of Family Courts in Taraba was singled out as a crucial step in safeguarding the rights of women and children, providing a dedicated legal framework to address issues of domestic violence, child custody, and inheritance disputes. Mrs. Sinjen further commended the First Lady of Taraba State, Mrs. Agyin Kefas, for her quiet but effective advocacy for vulnerable groups, which has complemented the government’s efforts.
The Launch of the “1 Million Women Vote” Campaign
The zenith of the event was the official unveiling of the “1 Million Women Vote for Tinubu/Kefas 2027” campaign. The initiative is not merely a symbolic gesture but a structured, grassroots-oriented movement aimed at voter education, registration, and mobilisation. Organisers plan to leverage existing women’s groups, market associations, and community networks to build an unassailable voting bloc.
Political analysts view this launch as a significant development in Taraba’s political landscape. Women constitute a substantial portion of the electorate, and a coordinated campaign of this magnitude could prove decisive in a tightly contested election. The campaign’s leadership emphasised that their support is predicated on performance and the tangible benefits accrued to their demographic.
“We are not supporting based on sentiment, but on the solid foundation of policies that have empowered us, protected our children, and given us hope,” Mrs. Sinjen explained to the gathering. “This campaign is a contract. It is our commitment to securing a better future for ourselves and the generations to come.”
The event in Jalingo concluded with a vibrant procession and cultural displays, symbolising the unity and resolve of the state’s women. With the 2027 elections now firmly on the horizon, the “1 Million Women Vote” campaign positions Taraba’s female electorate as a formidable force, ready to leverage its numerical strength to reward what they perceive as a pro-women and pro-child governance agenda. As the political season intensifies, all eyes will be on Taraba to see if this ambitious pledge translates into actual votes at the polls.
