ADC Solidifies Its Position in Taraba Amid NDC Internal Crisis, 2027

As the 2027 general elections approach, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is solidifying its presence in Taraba State, while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) faces internal turmoil that could jeopardise its prospects there.

Political analysts say the ADC’s rising popularity stems from the alignment of well‑known political figures with the party. This contrasts with the NDC, whose recent entry into the state and lack of prominent leaders have limited its voter appeal.

Both parties recently completed their primary elections, selecting candidates for the governorship and the presidency in largely peaceful contests.

For the ADC, Senator Abubakar Umar Tutare secured the governorship ticket unopposed. Party officials described the primary as transparent and orderly, involving stakeholders from all local government areas through a mix of direct primaries and consensus arrangements. Although the exercise was free of major controversy, the party announced that certificates of return would be temporarily withheld to allow its appeal committee to address any petitions from aggrieved members.

At the presidential level, former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar won a decisive victory in the ADC primary in Taraba, receiving 48,523 votes. He defeated former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, who garnered 25,150 votes, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu‑Deen, who received 8,369 votes.

Election officials reported that results were collated from all 16 local government areas after voting across the state’s 168 wards. The committee praised party members for maintaining peace throughout the process. Despite reports of disagreements and boycott allegations at the national collation, observers noted that voting and collation in Taraba proceeded without significant disruption.

Political analysts believe that the emergence of Senator Tutare and Atiku Abubakar has strengthened the ADC’s position, potentially making the party a formidable challenger in the 2027 elections.

In contrast, the NDC has been embroiled in controversy following its governorship primary, which produced Philip Johnson as the party’s flag‑bearer. Former Vice‑Chancellor of Taraba State University, Professor Sani Yahaya, who also contested for the ticket, rejected the result. His rejection has sparked growing discontent within the party.

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

Responding to questions about 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 trying 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 will focus on whether the NDC can overcome its internal crisis and whether the ADC can sustain its growing momentum across the state.