Wukari Flyover: Jukun Youths Fire Back at APGA Candidate
The Jukun Youth and Cultural Development Association (JYCDA) Worldwide has rejected comments attributed to Taraba State APGA governorship candidate Danjuma Usman Shiddi, describing his reported characterisation of the ongoing Wukari Flyover Project as a “white elephant project” and misplaced priority as unacceptable.
The association argued that while criticism of government projects remains an important part of democracy, major infrastructure projects should be assessed objectively rather than dismissed on political grounds.
JYCDA maintained that Wukari’s continued expansion makes forward-looking infrastructure necessary, insisting that the proposed flyover should be considered in the context of the town’s future development.
JYCDA Rejects ‘White Elephant’ Label
President of JYCDA Worldwide, Comrade Danjuma Audu, made the association’s position known while responding to the comments attributed to Shiddi.
Audu said the organisation welcomes constructive criticism but opposes what it considers politically motivated attempts to undermine projects intended to benefit communities.
According to him, disagreements over government policies are inevitable in a democracy, but political differences should not automatically translate into opposition to every project initiated by an administration.
The association particularly objected to describing the Wukari Flyover as a white elephant project before its long-term value can be properly assessed.
‘Wukari Is Growing’
Audu argued that Wukari is developing into an increasingly important historical, educational, commercial and administrative centre.
He pointed to the presence of the Federal University Wukari as one of the factors contributing to the town’s growing importance.
With continued expansion comes increased demand for modern infrastructure.
JYCDA therefore believes infrastructure planning should not focus exclusively on current conditions but should also anticipate the needs of a growing urban population.
Flyover Should Be Judged on Future Needs
The association argued that the flyover should not be viewed only as a response to present traffic congestion.
Instead, it should also be considered an infrastructure investment intended to meet future transportation and development needs as Wukari expands.
This formed a central part of JYCDA’s disagreement with the criticism attributed to the APGA governorship candidate.
Audu maintained that infrastructure projects capable of contributing to the future development of communities deserve objective evaluation.
JYCDA Backs Kefas’ Development Agenda
The association also expressed support for the development agenda of Governor Agbu Kefas.
Audu said the Jukun people have reasons to be proud that one of their own currently occupies Taraba State’s highest political office.
However, he acknowledged that government projects should still be subjected to scrutiny.
According to him, supporting an administration should not mean abandoning constructive engagement or accountability.
The association’s position is that scrutiny should focus on the merits, costs and potential benefits of projects rather than political affiliation alone.
Political Temperature Rises Ahead of 2027
The disagreement over the Wukari Flyover comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As governorship aspirants, political parties and their supporters increase engagements across Taraba State, government projects are likely to become major subjects of political debate.
Infrastructure spending, project priorities and development outcomes could become key issues as politicians attempt to convince voters of their competing visions for the state.
The Wukari Flyover controversy may therefore represent an early indication of the arguments likely to dominate the approaching political season.
Jukun Youths Call for Responsible Opposition
JYCDA urged politicians and stakeholders across party lines to exercise restraint when making public statements about Wukari and Southern Taraba.
Audu argued that political competition should not overshadow the broader development interests of communities.
He called on political leaders to place the long-term prosperity of residents above partisan considerations.
The association also stressed that politicians have every right to question government decisions, but such criticism should be constructive and supported by objective assessment.
Scrutiny Still Matters
While defending the flyover project, JYCDA did not argue that government infrastructure should be exempt from public examination.
Questions surrounding project costs, execution, quality, necessity and long-term benefits remain legitimate matters of public interest.
For residents, the most important consideration will ultimately be whether the project delivers measurable benefits to Wukari.
That means the strongest answer to criticism will not come from political arguments alone but from successful implementation and demonstrable value.
Wukari Flyover Becomes Political Talking Point
What began as a debate over an infrastructure project is increasingly taking on a political dimension.
With 2027 approaching, the Wukari Flyover could become part of a broader contest over Governor Kefas’ development record and the alternative priorities being proposed by his political opponents.
JYCDA has made its position clear: it believes the project deserves a fair assessment and should not be dismissed simply because of political differences.
For the government, however, completing the project to an acceptable standard and demonstrating its usefulness will ultimately provide the strongest response to critics.
As Taraba’s political atmosphere heats up, the Wukari Flyover is no longer just a construction project it is becoming part of the battle over how the state’s development priorities should be defined.
