MARTINA, BADAWAIRE UNVEILED AS PDP CHAIRMANSHIP CANDIDATES AS PARTY LAUNCHES LG CAMPAIGNS IN TARABA
Mohammed Tikka
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State officially kicked off its local government election campaigns on Thursday, October 9, at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo.
At the well-attended event, party flags were presented to all chairmanship candidates contesting under the PDP across the state.
The State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, congratulated the candidates and encouraged them to campaign peacefully and effectively, aiming to secure victory in all local government areas. He urged them to be worthy representatives of the party and uphold its values throughout the campaign.
Among the flag recipients were Hon. Martina Anthony of Yorro Local Government, who is seeking a second term, and Alhaji Umar Bello Badawaire, a first-time contender from Ardo Kola Local Government.
Speaking after receiving her flag, Hon. Martina expressed her gratitude, saying she was humbled by the opportunity to continue serving. She thanked God and appreciated Governor Agbu Kefas for his confidence in her leadership.
“If re-elected, I will focus on improving lives at the grassroots,” she said. “We’ve already made progress in youth empowerment, supporting women’s businesses, healthcare, and education. I want to continue these efforts, and also strengthen security and infrastructure.”
She also acknowledged the support of her mentor, Hon. Danladi Gwampo, and PDP leaders in Yorro and across the state, saying their encouragement has fueled her journey.
Alhaji Badawaire, on his part, described his candidacy as a dream come true. He thanked Governor Kefas and promised to lead an inclusive and transparent government in Ardo Kola if elected.
“My vision is simple: peace, jobs, and real development. I will work closely with traditional rulers, youth, women, and security agencies to rebuild trust and stability in our communities,” he said.
Both Martina and Badawaire emphasized unity and pledged to run clean, issue-based campaigns focused on development, not division. They also called on PDP supporters to rally behind all candidates and ensure the party’s success at the polls.
A respected party elder and mentor from Ardo Kola, Alhaji Hamman Adama Tukur, also congratulated the candidates and urged them to lead with fairness and integrity.
“Lead with justice, equity, and compassion,” he advised. “Your role is to build trust and deliver real progress, especially for youth and vulnerable groups. This is your chance to make a lasting impact.”
He encouraged all PDP candidates to prioritize job creation and grassroots development, and to serve as examples of good leadership throughout the campaign and beyond.
As the elections draw near, the PDP in Taraba State is entering the race with a mix of experienced and new candidates, combining continuity through leaders like Martina, and fresh ideas from newcomers like Badawaire. The political atmosphere in the state is heating up, and the party is confident in its chances at the polls.