Former lawmaker Danjuma Usman Shiddi urges voters to reject vote-buying and hold elected officials accountable
By Sarah Manya, Abuja
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nigeria’s Taraba State, Danjuma Usman Shiddi, said on Monday that the 2027 elections should serve as a referendum on the performance of political leaders, urging voters to reject those who fail to deliver on their promises.
Shiddi, popularly known as Danji SS, spoke in Abuja after receiving an Award of Excellence from the Arewa Media Practitioners, which cited his public service and humanitarian record.
“The electorate must use their votes wisely to reward performance and punish failure,” Shiddi told journalists and supporters. “That is how we entrench good governance and deter poor performance.”
The two-term former member of the House of Representatives, who represented the Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency in the 8th and 9th National Assembly, also warned Nigerians against selling their votes.
“If you collect money to compromise, you are not compromising just for yourself, you are compromising the future of your children,” he said.
Shiddi said his entry into politics was driven by a desire to improve governance and accused some politicians of abandoning the people who elected them after assuming office.
He dedicated the award to the people of Taraba State and pledged to run an inclusive government if elected governor in 2027.
Shiddi also called on political leaders to draw inspiration from Nigeria’s early nationalists, including Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and Nnamdi Azikiwe.
“I received this award as encouragement to do more, not only for Taraba but for Nigeria,” he said. “With your support, we will rescue and transform Taraba State.”
Also speaking at the event, APGA’s candidate for the Taraba South Senatorial District, Afiniki Yarima, said the recognition was deserved, citing Shiddi’s record in public service and humanitarian work.
Yarima said she would seek to improve representation for Taraba South if elected to the Senate.
Drawing a comparison with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of neighbouring Kogi State, Yarima said she hoped to pursue what she described as strong and aggressive representation for her constituents.
She also urged voters to make informed choices and called on supporters to remain peaceful during the election period, saying the future of younger generations depended on the decisions made at the polls.
The award was presented by the President of the Arewa Media Practitioners, Musa Muhammed.
The group said it recognises individuals from northern Nigeria who have distinguished themselves in public service, human development and national development.