APC Assures Taraba Tiv Community of Greater Inclusion
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State has assured the Tiv community that it will continue to recognise its political and socio-economic contributions, declaring that the community will not be left behind in the state’s political and developmental affairs.
The assurance came as party leaders and Tiv stakeholders gathered in Jalingo for a reception honouring the APC State Women Leader, Hon. Princess Margaret Tor Mchivga.
With political activities gradually building towards the 2027 general elections, the gathering also became a platform for discussions on representation, development, unity and the political future of Tiv communities across Taraba.
APC Recognises Tiv Political Strength
Taraba State APC Chairman, Hon. Abubakar Bawa, represented by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Aaron Artimas, acknowledged the contribution of Tiv people to the state.
Artimas said Tiv communities have a presence across several local government areas and represent an important segment of Taraba’s electorate.
He urged the community to remain united and politically active while continuing to participate in the affairs of the state.
The party leadership also assured the community that individuals and groups contributing to the growth of the APC would continue to receive recognition.
‘Tiv Community Will Not Be Left Behind’
A central message from the APC delegation was that Tiv people would continue to have a place in the political and developmental affairs of Taraba State.
The assurance comes at a time when political parties are beginning to strengthen structures and deepen community engagement ahead of 2027.
For the Tiv community, however, political inclusion goes beyond participation during elections.
Community leaders used the gathering to highlight issues of representation and development while calling for greater opportunities for their people.
APC Praises Mchivga’s Commitment
Artimas also praised Mchivga for what he described as her commitment and loyalty to the party.
He highlighted her involvement in political mobilisation among women, Tiv communities and other supporters.
Her emergence as APC State Women Leader was celebrated as an important political achievement for women from the community.
The reception attracted political stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, women, youths and community representatives, giving the event significance beyond an ordinary political gathering.
Tiv Leaders Want Representation to Deliver Results
While celebrating Mchivga’s emergence, Tiv leaders also placed development firmly on the agenda.
The community called for continued inclusion in governance and greater attention to the needs of Tiv settlements across the state.
Speakers stressed that political engagement should ultimately contribute to improved opportunities and development.
That message could become increasingly important as politicians seek community support ahead of the next general elections.
Political representation carries greater meaning when communities can connect it to improvements in education, infrastructure, economic opportunities and other development priorities.
Community Urged to Develop Clear Priorities
The gathering also produced calls for Tiv leaders to become more strategic in presenting their development demands.
Rather than relying solely on requests made during political events, the community was challenged to develop a documented blueprint identifying its major needs.
Such a blueprint could capture priorities relating to infrastructure, education, economic development and social services across Tiv communities in Taraba.
Having clearly identified priorities could provide a stronger basis for engagement with government and development partners.
It could also enable the community to measure whether political promises eventually translate into results.
Peaceful Coexistence Takes Centre Stage
Tiv leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence with other ethnic and religious communities across Taraba.
Community members were encouraged to pursue political participation and development without allowing those ambitions to undermine peaceful relationships with their neighbours.
The message is particularly significant as political competition intensifies ahead of 2027.
Ethnic and community mobilisation can influence elections, but leaders at the gathering stressed the importance of ensuring that such mobilisation remains peaceful and constructive.
Women Push for Bigger Political Role
Mchivga’s emergence also placed women’s political participation at the centre of discussions.
She argued that women should not be treated simply as a mobilisation force during election campaigns.
Women, she maintained, should have opportunities to occupy leadership positions and contribute directly to policymaking, governance and development.
She pledged to engage women across Taraba’s 16 local government areas and advocate opportunities in politics, entrepreneurship and community development.
The APC Women Leader also encouraged younger women and girls to prioritise education and develop confidence in their ability to become leaders.
2027 Battle Gradually Takes Shape
Although the gathering was organised to honour Mchivga, the approaching 2027 elections were difficult to separate from the political conversations surrounding the event.
Political parties are gradually increasing mobilisation, strengthening internal structures and engaging influential communities.
For the APC, the Tiv population represents one of the communities whose participation could matter as political competition intensifies.
For Tiv leaders, the period provides an opportunity to push questions of representation and development higher on the political agenda.
Inclusion Must Translate Into Development
The APC has assured the Tiv community that it will not be left behind.
The bigger test will be what that assurance means in practical terms.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, communities across Taraba are likely to demand more than political recognition. They will increasingly ask what representation delivers in terms of infrastructure, education, jobs, economic opportunities and improved living conditions.
For the Tiv community, the emerging message is therefore two-sided: remain politically organised and engaged, but ensure political participation is tied to a clear development agenda.
