Former two-term lawmaker says he is joining the race after what he describes as gaps in service delivery under Governor Agbu Kefas’ administration
By Sarah Moses Abuja
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Taraba State, Danjuma Usman Shiddi, said on Monday he was entering the 2027 election race to offer what he called tested leadership and people-focused governance.
Shiddi, popularly known as Danji SS, told journalists in Abuja that his decision to seek the governorship was driven by what he described as shortcomings in service delivery under the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas.
“If the government had delivered on its promises, I would not be here. I would rather support it and focus on returning to the House of Representatives. But our people deserve better,” Shiddi said.
He said residents of the state had yet to see sufficient improvements in key sectors, including healthcare, education, water supply and infrastructure.
Shiddi also criticised what he described as a disconnect between the government and stakeholders, referring to a reported comment by Kefas that “nobody can advise me if he has not been a governor.”
“Leadership should listen,” Shiddi said.
The former lawmaker questioned the implementation of the state government’s education and employment programmes, saying more needed to be done to support teachers and improve learning conditions.
“I benefited from free education. But today teachers lack welfare and basic support. That is not free education,” he said.
He pledged to recruit qualified teachers, retrain serving personnel and improve the learning environment if elected, while promising welfare programmes he said would be “sincere, sustainable and transparent.”
On healthcare, Shiddi said patients requiring specialised treatment for liver and kidney-related illnesses were often forced to seek care outside Taraba, including in neighbouring states.
He also raised concerns over the state’s borrowing and questioned whether residents were receiving adequate improvements in public services.
Shiddi said his campaign would focus on five priority areas: security, agriculture, healthcare, education and infrastructure.
He promised an inclusive and accountable government that would involve women, young people and traditional institutions in governance.
“2027 is about competence, not sentiment,” he said, urging voters to consider candidates’ experience and records of public service.
Shiddi served two terms representing the Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency in the 8th and 9th National Assembly. He also previously worked with the Department of State Services.