The Taraba Central Senatorial District: Game On
While 2027 may seem far off in the political timeline, for those with their eyes on the prize, it’s just around the corner.
This was evident on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 2nd and 3rd, 2025, when Hon. Abdulsalam Gambo Mubarak, a former member of the National Assembly from Bali, hosted a significant gathering.
Hon. Mubarak, who represented the Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency during the 2019 and 2023 sessions, is widely regarded as a trailblazer in his political career.
During his previous single term, he made history by organizing the first-ever grand distribution of palliatives in Taraba State.
He gave away hundreds of vehicles, thousands of motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, and farm input, an unprecedented gesture that has since set a new standard for legislative appreciation across the country.
In his latest move, Hon. Gambo Mubarak brought together prominent political figures from all five Local Government Areas (LGAs) that make up the Central Senatorial District of Taraba State, cutting across party lines, for a two-day Sallah celebration.
The event attracted key political figures, including Senator Ibrahim Goje, Engineer Yahaya Mafindi, Hon. Barrister Mohammed Bashir Mbape, Hon. Bakari Sukari, Hon. Jerry Dogon Yaro, and Hon. Batulu Mohammed, Member Taraba State House of Assembly.
Also present were all former councillors from the five LGAs who had served at various times since 1999, all APC Local Government Chairmen, Ward Executives from the senatorial zone, and his former coordinators from his first campaign for the National Assembly.
Hon. Abdulsalam Gambo Mubarak explained to his guests that he invited them unconditionally to rekindle old relationships, both with himself and among the attendees.
During the event, he made a formal announcement that he was throwing his hat into the ring for the Senatorial seat in the zone.
The former National Assembly member emphasized that, while the zone deserves better representation, everyone has the right to present themselves for election, provided they have the credentials and the ability to deliver.
He further assured his supporters that he was fully prepared to face the challenges of the senatorial race in Taraba Central.
Hon. Mubarak also took the opportunity to address social media activists, urging them to avoid bitterness and refrain from insulting political opponents.
Several speakers at the event expressed their excitement over his decision, citing his impressive track record as a reason why he deserved the opportunity to represent the Central Zone.
Many also commended his rare courage in bringing together such a large crowd, many of whom hadn’t seen each other in years.
Some attendees immediately endorsed his candidacy, expressing their confidence in Hon. Mubarak’s commitment to the progress and welfare of his constituents.
A close confidant and former member of the Taraba State House of Assembly from Nguroje, Sardauna Local Government Area, Barrister Bashir Mbape, publicly declared his support and pledged to begin campaigning in earnest.
While the legislator provided a lavish spread of meals for his guests, each attendee left with gifts of cloth materials and cash.
Observers of the two-day gathering concluded that, based on his reputation as one of the most generous politicians from the zone, Hon. Gambo Mubarak would be a formidable contender in the upcoming Senate race.
Many noted that the electorate in the zone has grown disillusioned with the current representation in the National Assembly.
Additional reports from the zone suggest that Mubarak’s candidacy is being met with great enthusiasm and widespread support.
