Former Minister of Transportation under the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration,  Mu’azu Jaji Sambo has officially declared his candidacy for the 2027 Taraba State gubernatorial election, saying his joining the gubernatorial race was to “salvage” the state from decades of economic stagnation.

Speaking with Journalists after being screened by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship screening panel, he said his decision to run was born out of frustration with the state’s developmental trajectory over the last 35 years.

“Go and check the developmental index of my dear state. Check our debt profile and human capital indicators; the records are there for all to see. I am tired of complaining. I would rather join the race to salvage my home state than sit on the fence” he said.

Sambo expressed strong support for the direct primary election model as stipulated in the Electoral Act. This mechanism allows all registered party members to vote for their preferred candidate, rather than a limited pool of delegates.

The former minister affirmed his readiness to compete against the incumbent, Governor Agbu Kefas, who recently defected to the APC, and other high-profile aspirants within the party.

As the APC prepares for its internal polls, the screening committee, chaired by Dr. Benjamin Obi Nwoye, has screened three primary contenders: Dr. Agbu Kefas, the incumbent Governor, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, former Minister of Transportation and Chief David Sabo Kente, a prominent philanthropist.