By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
Several Christian clerics and faith-based groups in Taraba State have declared support for the governorship aspiration of Mu’azu Jaji Sambo under the platform of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
The endorsement came during a special prayer session organised for the success of the APC aspirant and for lasting peace in Taraba State.
The prayer gathering, convened by Rev. Dr. Philemon Azara Saredau at his residence in Jalingo, attracted members of several religious and advocacy groups, including the Christian Clerics Forum for Peace and Conflict Mitigation, Clerics Supporting Good Governance, Critical Clerics Leaders Forum, Pastors Political Forum, and the Arewa Pastors Forum for Peace.
Opening prayers for Mu’azu Jaji Sambo were led by Bishop Ayuba Bello Kari, while Bishop David Ocheje coordinated special intercessory prayers seeking divine support for the aspirant’s governorship ambition.
Speaking during the event, Rev. Dr. Philemon Azara Saredau, a Fellow of the Institute of Crisis Resolution, Peace Building and Conciliation, described the former Minister of Transportation as a humble and development-oriented leader whose contributions to national service and community development remain commendable.
He recalled his long-standing relationship with Mu’azu Jaji Sambo dating back to their secondary school days in the early 1970s and praised his performance during his tenure in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The cleric also cited infrastructural projects and support initiatives allegedly facilitated by the former minister in Taraba State, particularly within Jalingo and surrounding communities, urging residents to support his governorship ambition for accelerated socio-economic development.
Rev. Saredau further argued that Northern Taraba should produce the next governor of the state, insisting that the region deserves the opportunity to lead after previous political arrangements.
In his opening remarks, Rev. Simon William Tula prayed for peaceful, credible, and violence-free elections in 2027, while also seeking divine guidance and success for Mu’azu Jaji Sambo’s political ambition and the continued peaceful coexistence of residents across the state.
Also speaking, Rev. Smart Sumbu of Deeper Life Bible Church expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the political marginalisation of Northern Taraba, while reaffirming support for Mu’azu Jaji Sambo.
According to him, leadership should not be determined by religion but by competence, integrity, and the fear of God.
Pastor Martina Muka’ila, Coordinator of the Northern Taraba Women Support Groups for Good Governance, also offered prayers for the success of the APC aspirant and for peace and progress in Taraba State and Nigeria.
Similarly, Rev. Yakubu Balutu prayed for divine intervention to overcome the challenges confronting the people of the state.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Rev. Sir Bello Andrew commended the clerics for uniting across denominational lines in support of what he described as a capable candidate for the governorship position.
He stressed that governance should be evaluated based on service delivery and commitment to the welfare of the people rather than religious affiliation.
Observers at the gathering described the open support by Christian clerics from different denominations for a Muslim governorship aspirant as a significant political development in Taraba State since its creation in 1991, noting that it could reshape political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
