By Binta Arabi
A good electoral victory is often mirrored from the type of campaign structure that is put in place. In fact, political thinkers even go as far as saying that a vibrant government starts with a great campaign team. As the campaign goes, so goes the government!
That is so because a campaign team is a direct reflection of the vibrancy and political skills of the organiser.
So far, Governor Agbu Kefas has continued to demonstrate that he can actually put up a formidable team to actualise his re-election bid. Recalled that Dr. Kefas was not responsible for the 2023 campaign team. But now for 2027 he is fully in charge of the selection process.
Invariably, from the pick of his campaign Director General to the other lieutenants of the team, Dr Kefas has shown that this campaign means a lot to him. He wants great results.
His Director-General is none other than one of the biggest names in the Taraba political firmament, Hon. Danladi Tijos Baido. A household name in the state, Baido’s choice underscores experience, brand, and legacy. His emergence has gingered the political landscape.
A very affable personality, Baido comes across as a politician at home with all classes of the multiplural society of Taraba state. Hon. Baido also understands the state in a way most people don’t. Having run for governor twice himself, Baido is not a stranger or an interloper in the political world. He can now indeed run a successful campaign. Baido is also a living encyclopedia of the intricacies of governance. He understands the voting habits of all the groups in a deeper way.
His pick has since paid off well already. He has continued to harmonise varied interests and persuasion into a tight fusion for progress.
Hon. Baido also displayed sagacity when he recently announced the composition of his assistants. Relying on a pragmatic approach that will ensure grassroots participation, Hon Baido smartly identified the right people for each zone.
For the North, the choice is a former speaker and a political gladiator in his own right, Prof. Albasu Kunini. An accountant by training and a seasoned businessman, Kunini brings his skills in the deep water of local politics to bear in his current roles. A one-time aspirant for governorship, Kunini knows the terrain from first-hand experience.
For the Central Zone, the choice of Hon. Kabiru Jalo is also hailed in many quarters as apt. A down to earth personality, Jalo, is renowned for his ability to pay attention to details and influence political choices. Like the DG, Jalo was in the House of Representatives, where he experienced national politics. A member of the late Victor Bala Kona political family, Jalo will indeed leverage his connections to get the job done.
A former commissioner of finance, Dr. Bulus Maiyaki is heading the Southern Zone. Holding the prestigious title of the Makama, Hon. Maiyaki brings to his new role his years of experience in the murky waters of politics. Known for his philanthropy, Bulus Maiyaki is an easygoing politician who blends easily with the electorate. His choice has been hailed as a victory for the people.
The secretary of the campaign is none other than the rambunctious Rt Hon Josiah Kente. A former speaker like Kunini, Kente is also a power house in local politics. The current Special Adviser, Political to Governor Kefas, is a man who has seen if all. An academic of note, too, the citizens are excited that a thorough bred politician, like the rest, is on the team.
The spokesman of the campaign is Emmanuel Bello. Bello is now a byword in Taraba cyber space for his central place in the media world. His choice is greatly hailed as a fitting one. He will obviously bring in his expertise in handling media partners both in the state and beyond to bear on his new role. Already, the media community is energised and excited with his addition on the team
Arabi writes from Mutum Biu