By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
As the November local government elections draw closer in Taraba State, All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship aspirant for Yorro Local Government Area, Ishaya Hashin Kunzang, has pledged to improve the living standards of his people if elected.
Speaking with journalists in Jalingo, Kunzang said his decision to join the race was in response to persistent calls from constituents who expressed concern over the declining welfare of residents, particularly youths struggling without opportunities or direction.
He noted that Yorro LGA, though predominantly agrarian with vibrant village markets, suffers from poor infrastructure that stifles economic growth.
“From Malam Audu to Kassa and Gampu, there are no access roads. Farmers find it extremely difficult to transport their produce to markets. If elected, I will prioritize the construction of feeder roads to ease movement, enhance trade, and boost local revenue,” Kunzang assured.
The aspirant also decried the absence of tertiary institutions in Yorro, which he described as a major setback for young people aspiring to higher education.
He promised to lobby the state government to establish at least a diploma-awarding institution in the area.
Kunzang explained that his candidacy was borne out of grassroots demand, revealing that his supporters had purchased the APC nomination form for him at the cost of ₦300,000.
“I could not turn my back on the people who insisted I should run. They believe in my vision and have demonstrated overwhelming support,” he said.
On his chances in an election to be conducted by the Taraba State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC), Kunzang admitted that the ruling PDP remains strong in the state but argued that widespread discontent with its performance has created a strong opening for the APC.
“The electorate hold the key. With the poor performance of the present administrations at both state and local levels, I believe my chances are very high. Politics should not be a do-or-die affair, but I am confident of victory as the people’s candidate,” he stated.
The APC aspirant criticized TSIEC’s ₦1,000,000 intent form fee as prohibitive, urging the commission to reduce it to ₦300,000 to give all aspirants a fair chance.
He further appealed to eligible voters in Yorro LGA to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), assuring them of a peaceful and issue-based campaign.
“Yorro is known for peace, and I urge everyone to maintain that tradition as we approach the polls,” Kunzang concluded.
