Governorship: Group Condemns Plan To Force Saleh Mamman To Shelve Ambition

A Taraba-based political group, Maman Legacy Initiative, has uncovered plans to block a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, from contesting the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in the state.

The group, however, accused some highly placed individuals, names withheld, of deploying government machinery to harass and intimidate the former minister of power into abandoning his ambition.

The spokesperson for the group, Musa Mustapha, told newsmen in Jalingo that the alleged actions were driven by fear of Mamman’s growing popularity within the state.

He alleged that there were ongoing plans to pressure Saleh Mamman to withdraw from the APC governorship race.

The group further claimed that false allegations had been circulated against Mamman, including reports that he stored large sums of money at his Jalingo residence.

He also alleged that security operatives had laid siege to the residence on April 3, a day before a planned homecoming rally in his honour.

According to Mustapha, the alleged action disrupted the rally and prevented supporters from welcoming the former minister home.

“The siege was a blatant attempt to violate his privacy and sever his connection with thousands of supporters who had mobilised to receive him,” he said.

The group maintained that the alleged intimidation and misinformation campaign was not aimed at ensuring accountability but at weakening Mamman’s grassroots support ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

He therefore called for an immediate end to political blackmail and urged the national leadership of the APC to ensure fairness and a level playing field for all aspirants in the state.

“Merit must be prioritised in the selection process, and all qualified candidates should be allowed to compete freely, as such measures would help rebuild trust within the party.

However, the Taraba State Government dismissed the allegations, saying I security agency raided Mamman Sale’s residence.

The Senior Special Adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on Political Affairs, Dr Joshua Sabo Kente, denied claims of harassment and intimidation.

He said, Governor Kefas remained committed to peace and fair political competition in the state, and stressed that all aspirants were free to pursue their ambitions in line with due process.

“There is no harassment or intimidation of any politician. Everyone is free to declare their intention, provided they follow due process.”

Dr Kente said, advising APC members to adhere strictly to the party’s timetable for the primaries.