By Abraham Maina Joda

In a political development that has generated widespread discussion across Taraba State, frontline grassroots politician Hon. Abubakar Danladi Umar has formally declared his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), alongside his ambition to represent the people of Donga, Takum, Ussa and Yangtu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

In this exclusive interview with NEWSNEXUS, he speaks with Abraham Maina Joda on the reasons behind his decision, his legislative agenda, and his vision for transforming one of Taraba State’s most strategic federal constituencies.

INTERVIEW

Question 1: Your transition from APC to APGA has generated considerable political interest. What informed this decision at this particular time?

Hon. Umar:

You may recall that I previously contested for the House of Representatives under the APC. Although circumstances beyond my control meant I did not secure the party’s ticket, I accepted the outcome in good faith and remained loyal to the party.

However, that experience inspired tremendous support from my people. They continued to encourage me to contest again because they believed in the vision we shared.

As their calls became stronger, I reflected deeply and asked myself what would happen if history repeated itself. My people reminded me that our commitment to progress is greater than any political platform.

When it became clear that achieving our collective aspiration would be more challenging within my former party, and with the full support of my constituents, I chose a platform that better aligns with our vision. APGA welcomed us warmly, and today we are committed to building a stronger future together.

Question 2: You have described your decision as the collective will of your people. Why APGA, and why do you believe it is the right platform?

Hon. Umar:

This decision was never about personal convenience. It reflects the collective aspiration of the people I seek to represent.

APGA offers a political platform that embraces inclusion, grassroots participation and purposeful representation. Those values resonate strongly with our vision for the constituency, making it the natural choice for this journey.

Question 3: Having declared your ambition for the House of Representatives, what will be your immediate legislative priorities if elected?

Hon. Umar:

Our constituency urgently requires a comprehensive rural economic recovery and security framework.

Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, yet thousands of farmers struggle with insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance and weak market systems.

My legislative focus will therefore be on strengthening agricultural value chains, expanding rural infrastructure, improving access to affordable financing and supporting sustainable security initiatives.

Our objective is simple—to move our people from subsistence living to sustainable prosperity.

Question 4: What major challenges do you believe have been neglected, and how would your approach differ?

Hon. Umar:

One of our greatest challenges is the absence of genuine community ownership in development planning.

Too often, development projects are designed externally and presented as privileges instead of fundamental rights.

My approach will ensure that communities participate in identifying their priorities because sustainable development must be driven by the people themselves.

Question 5: Party defections often attract criticism. How do you respond to those who question your move?

Hon. Umar:

The desire to serve my people has never changed. That conviction existed long before this political transition.

What has changed is that I have now found a political platform that provides the opportunity to pursue that conviction effectively.

APGA is not a second choice. It is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected political parties. This decision is about alignment of vision, not political convenience.

Question 6: How do you intend to attract greater federal opportunities and development projects to your constituency?

Hon. Umar:

By the grace of God, I have travelled extensively and have observed development models that can be adapted to our local realities.

I believe strongly in community-specific human capital development. Education and skills acquisition must be linked to sectors where our comparative advantages lie, including agriculture, mining, renewable energy, healthcare and security.

That is how sustainable development is achieved.

Question 7: What distinguishes you from other aspirants seeking the same office?

Hon. Umar:

The greatest distinction is trust.

I did not wake up and impose this ambition on the people. They invited me to contest because they believe in our shared vision.

My responsibility is to justify that confidence through integrity, commitment and effective representation.

Question 8: What message would you like to leave with your supporters and the undecided electorate?

Hon. Umar:

I encourage everyone to reflect honestly on where we are today and where we ought to be.

Our constituency possesses enormous potential, but that potential has not been fully realised.

I offer a credible alternative built on unity, development and inclusive leadership. Together, we can build a future that generations yet unborn will be proud of.

Question 9: There are suggestions that your move to APGA was influenced by the return of Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi to the party. How accurate is that perception?

Hon. Umar:

Hon. Danjuma Usman Shiddi is a respected political leader whose experience I value immensely.

He was among the leaders I consulted before taking this decision.

However, our meeting in APGA is simply a convergence of shared convictions. It demonstrates that APGA continues to attract credible leaders and should never be underestimated in Taraba State’s political landscape.

NEWSNEXUS ANALYSIS

Hon. Abubakar Danladi Umar enters the 2027 political contest with a message centred on grassroots participation, economic transformation and inclusive governance.

His emphasis on agricultural development, rural infrastructure, security and human capital reflects concerns that resonate deeply across the Donga–Takum–Ussa–Yangtu Federal Constituency.

Whether this new political chapter under the All Progressives Grand Alliance will reshape the electoral dynamics remains to be seen, but his entry has undoubtedly added a significant dimension to the race for the House of Representatives.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, the contest for the constituency promises to be one of the most closely watched political battles in Taraba State.

NEWSNEXUS will continue to provide balanced, credible and in-depth coverage of the unfolding political developments.

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