Abraham Awudu Apaji Declares for Taraba State Governorship Seat, Delivers Landmark Speech
His Speech Reads:
GOVERNORSHIP DECLARATION SPEECH*
My dear people of Taraba State,
Today, with a deep sense of responsibility and an unshakable belief in our shared future, I, Abraham Awudu Apaji Jr., under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), write to you to formally declare my intention to contest for the office of the Governor of Taraba State.
Taraba is richly blessed—with fertile land, diverse cultures, natural beauty, and strong, resilient people. But let us speak truthfully—not politically, not emotionally—but honestly: Our people are hurting. Across Taraba:
• In Wukari and Takum, families have lived through cycles of tension and loss
• In Karim Lamido, people struggle with isolation—travelling through neighboring states due to lack of direct access, with no reliable electricity and many forced to relocate
• In Donga and Bali, flooding and instability continue to disrupt lives and livelihoods
• In Sardauna and Gashaka, opportunities in agriculture and tourism remain abandoned
• In Jalingo, rising population pressure has brought unemployment, poor sanitation, and hardship.
These are not just statistics. These are lived experiences. These are human pains. I do not speak about these issues as an outside.
*MY STORY – MY WHY*
I speak as someone who has lived through it. I remember escaping communal violence in Wukari to Benue State.
I remember being away in school, unable to return home when my people were attacked again.
I remember the fear, the uncertainty, the feeling of being cut off from your own home. Those memories are not just stories—they are wounds that never fully heal. And they are the reason this is not just ambition for me— it is a responsibility.
Let me say this clearly: Our people are not poor because Taraba is poor.
We are poor because leadership has become comfortable with our struggle.
*A DIFFERENT KIND OF LEADERSHIP*
I want you to understand what makes this movement different. I will not run a government where contracts are shared among loyal and unqualified individuals while our roads collapse, our hospitals fail, and our communities suffer. Every life matters. Every soul carries purpose. Taraba belongs to all of us—and we deserve better.
*MY VISION*
To build a united, secure, inclusive, and economically thriving Taraba State—where no one is left behind.
Because: Together, we build the Taraba we deserve.
*MY PRIORITIES (PEOPLE-FIRST & INCLUSIVE)*
*1. Inclusive Economic Development and Job Creation*
We will unlock Taraba’s full economic potential by creating opportunities that reach every person and every community.
• Support farmers, traders, and small businesses across all LGAs
• Expand access to finance, and marginalized groups
• Ensure no one is excluded because of background, gender, religion, or status
This is how we achieve: Better roads, better jobs, better lives for all.
*2. Infrastructure and Rural Development*
Development must reach every community, not just a few:
• Construct and rehabilitate roads linking all LGAs, including hard-to-reach areas like Karim Lamido
• Improve transport networks to reduce isolation of rural communities
• Expand access to electricity, clean water, and basic infrastructure
• Prioritize balanced development so no area remains forgotten.
Outcome: Connected communities and reduced rural hardship.
*3. Education and Human Capital Development*
Investing in people begins with education and skills.
• Improve access to quality education across all communities
• Support inclusive learning systems for children with disabilities
• Expand vocational training and youth skill acquisition programs.
Outcome: Skilled, educated, and productive citizens for the future.
*4. Healthcare Improvement*
Healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
• Strengthen healthcare services in rural and urban areas
• Improve access to maternal, child, and emergency care
• Upgrade primary health centers across LGAs
• Ensure dignity and quality care for every Tarabian.
Outcome: A healthier population and stronger communities.
*5. Security, Peacebuilding & Accountable Governance*
Peace, security, and governance will work together to build trust, stability, and fairness across all communities.
• This Government will promote inclusive peacebuilding among ethnic, religious, and community groups
• This Government will address the root causes of conflict such as poverty, exclusion, and unequal access to opportunities, not just the symptoms
• This Government will strengthen community safety systems and early conflict response mechanisms
• This Government will ensure every community feels protected, valued, and fairly represented
• This Government will institutionalize transparent and accountable governance based on merit, fairness, and service delivery
• This Government will eliminate favoritism by ensuring equal opportunities in appointments and public contracts
• This Government will engage all LGAs meaningfully in decision-making and development priorities.
Outcome: Stable communities, restored trust in leadership, and a government that serves all people fairly and openly.
*A MOVEMENT POWERED BY THE PEOPLE*
This is not just a campaign. It is a movement— driven by purpose, powered by the people.
It is about:
• The displaced family seeking stability
• The young graduate searching for dignity in work
• The farmer who only wants safe access to his land
• The mother who deserves quality healthcare
• Every Tarabian who has felt ignored.
*WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST ME*
You have seen leadership that speaks. Now it is time for leadership that works.
*Taraba is not lacking resources but Taraba is lacking leadership that is ready to work for the people, not just speak to them.*
My dear people, the time has come to change the story.
A Taraba where:
• No community is forgotten
• No voice is ignored
• No life is treated as less important.
That Taraba is possible. And together— We will build it.*ABRAHAM AWUDU APAJI Jr. (Nimc, Ha)
For Governor, Taraba State
May God bless Taraba State,
And may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
