As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, appears to be consolidating its position across Taraba state, while the National Democratic Congress, NDC, is grappling with internal challenges that threaten its prospects in the state.
Political observers noted that ADC’s growing popularity is largely driven by the presence of influential political heavyweights who have aligned with the party. The situation, however, contrasts sharply with that of the NDC, whose acceptance among voters has remained limited due to its relatively recent emergence in the state and the absence of widely recognized political figures within its ranks.

Both parties recently concluded their primary elections, producing candidates for the governorship and presidential elections in what were generally peaceful exercises.

For the ADC, Senator Abubakar Umar Tutare emerged as the party’s governorship candidate after securing the ticket unopposed. Party officials described the primary as transparent and orderly, with stakeholders across the state’s local government areas participating through a combination of direct primaries and consensus arrangements.

Although the exercise was conducted without major controversy, the party announced that certificates of return would be withheld temporarily to allow its appeal committee to address any petitions from aggrieved members.

At the presidential level, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar recorded a commanding victory in the ADC primary in Taraba, polling 48,523 votes. He defeated former Rivers state governor Rotimi Amaechi, who secured 25,150 votes, while businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen garnered 8,369 votes.

Election officials disclosed that results were collated from all 16 local government areas following voting across the state’s 168 wards. The committee commended party members for maintaining peace throughout the process.

Despite reports of disagreements and boycott allegations surrounding the national collation of results, observers noted that voting and collation in Taraba state proceeded without significant disruption.

Political analysts believe the emergence of Senator Tutare and Atiku Abubakar has strengthened ADC’s position and could make the party a formidable challenger in the state during the 2027 elections.

In contrast, the NDC has been engulfed in controversy following its governorship primary, which produced Philip Johnson as the party’s flagbearer.

The outcome of the exercise has been rejected by former Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, Professor Sani Yahaya, who also contested for the governorship ticket. His rejection of the result has triggered growing discontent within the party.

Several party chieftains who aligned with Professor Yahaya have called on the national leadership of the NDC to urgently intervene, warning that failure to resolve the dispute could lead to the party’s collapse in Taraba State.

Responding to questions regarding the disputed primary, the party’s state chairman, Charles Tiuda, declined to confirm the winner.

“I am not in the position to declare the winner of the primary. That will be done at the national level of our party,” he said.

The ongoing disagreement has exposed deep divisions within the NDC at a time when the party is seeking to establish a foothold in the state’s political landscape.

While many analysts believe the ADC is increasingly positioned to mount a strong challenge against the ruling party in the forthcoming elections, they argue that the NDC faces a much steeper task.

With internal disputes unresolved and grassroots structures still developing, observers say the party’s chances of making a significant electoral impact in Taraba State remain uncertain.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, attention is expected to focus on whether the NDC can overcome its internal crisis and whether the ADC can sustain its growing momentum across the state.