Mumuye, Taraba's largest ethnic group threatens "boomerang effect" if denied dep. gov’ship position

 From Nick Yashi

Following the confirmation of Hajiya Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim (Aunty Zee) as Governor Agbu Kefas' running mate in the 2027 general elections, the Mumuye ethnic group is demanding the continuation of their own as deputy governor or risk the “boomerang effect" .

Recall that Taraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, had confirmed the APC deputy women leader, as his running mate for the 2027 General Elections last weekend during the reception of the APC national chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda at the EXCO chamber, TY Danjuma House Jalingo, the Taraba state capital.

The governor, while addressing protocol, said, “the deputy national women leader of  APC. Future deputy governor,” to the applause of everyone in the hall.

Likewise, in his address, the APC national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, alluded: “the incoming deputy governor of Taraba state.popularly known as Aunty Zee”, to another applause of people in the hall.

But the National Executive Council of the Mumuye Cultural Development Association (MCDA), a socio-cultural organisation, decried what it described as a “progressive sidelining of Mumuye people from important political positions and strategic decision-making structures in Taraba State.

The association’s President, Anthony Dogo Vowaty, ASP (Rtd) unequivocally demanded during a press conference that  the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship slot be retained by the Mumuyes for equity, fairness, inclusion and democratic representation.

”The group is demanding that their continued political and economic contributions to the state be rewarded with a deputy governorship slot in the 2027 gubernatorial race. 

 “We are not saying that the Mumuye people are entitled to political office simply because of ethnicity. We are saying that equity demands that our people should be given a fair opportunity to occupy strategic positions, particularly when our population, history, political participation and contribution to the development of the state are taken into consideration. 

“We are not asking for the exclusion of their communities. We are asking for inclusion for ourselves. We are not asking for privilege because we are Mumuye. We are asking for fairness…,” he said. 

Recounting what led to their constant and present demand, Vowaty stressed the need to respect Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, a Mumuye son and current deputy governor, who had been battling with ill health, saying that he is not dead but only experiencing health challenges. 

He, however, called for another Mumuye man or woman to replace Alkali instead of pulling it completely out of Mumuye land. 

The association reiterated their appeal to the APC led- administration in the state to reconsider its decision and reappoint another Mumuye person as deputy governor for next year’s election.

Also, its youth wing led by Dr Ezekiel Hammangabdo Augustine, warned APC that failure to reconcile Mumuye’s political position in the state would have a boomerang effect in 2027 general elections. 

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