By Sanee Yarima
As the local government council elections commenced in the 16 LGCs of Taraba State today, Saturday, 8th November 2025, the exercise is being conducted peacefully in the Ardo-Kola LGA of the state.
Our correspondent, who is monitoring the election in the area, reports that the polling officials assigned by the State Independent Electoral Commission (TSIEC) arrived at the Kwanti Yali polling unit at about 8 AM.
The polling unit is designated at the Wuro Abbajo Primary School in Lamido Borno political ward.
At the various polling units of the ward visited, it was gathered that proper voting started at exactly 8:30 AM, as confirmed by a large number of eligible voters, the aged, women, and youth.
Upon their arrival, the voting processes immediately commenced as some voters were already in the queue, including the Special Adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Hamman Adama Tukur.
Elated by the peaceful atmosphere and the turnout, Alhaji Hamman Adama Tukur, who is also the Taraba State Chairman of NATO, appreciated Governor Agbu Kefas for granting the choice of the people of Ardo-Kola, which Hon. Umar Bello Badawere made for the chairmanship.
He described Hon. Badawere, who was a former Permanent Secretary in the state civil service, was an honest, non-tribalistic, hardworking, loyal, and people’s servant who brought a lot of development to the people.
“He is a good man and I am optimistic he will remain a good leader, that’s why we are extending our sincere gratitude to His Excellency Governor Dr Agbu Kefas for accepting the choice of the people of Ardo-Kola and we know His Excellency will work with him to continue to providing security, education, healthcare, and other dividends of democracy to our local government and the state at large. I am urging our people to support Dr. Agbu Kefas and the incoming chairman for them to succeed.” Said Hamman Adama.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after casting his vote at the Garin Baka polling unit, the chairmanship candidate under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Umar Bello Badawere promised to prioritise security, education, and healthcare, as well as women and youth empowerment in line with the Moving Forward Agenda of Governor Agbu Kefas.
He also pledged to run an all-inclusive governance, urging the people of the local government area to support and pray for them to succeed.
Additionally, Hon. Umar Bello Badawere appreciated Alhaji Hamman Adama Tukur and other stakeholders in the area for the confidence reposed in him, promising to justify it.
Also, at the Garin Baka polling unit, among the earlier voters were the wife of the chairmanship candidate, Hajiya Aisha Umar Badawere, alongside her entourage, who was sighted in the queue waiting to cast their votes.
Fielding questions from journalists, shortly after casting her vote, Hajiya Aisha Bello Badawere expressed optimism that when her husband became the chairman of Ardo-Kola Local Government Council, with the will of God, she would try her best to ensure that women are empowered.
She urged the people of the local government to remain patient, peaceful, and pray for Governor Agbu Kefas and his team, including the incoming local council Chairmen, to enable him to continue transforming Taraba State and thanked all the people of the area for the turnout.
Our Correspondent also observed that the turnout was appreciative in many of the polling units, an act that many electorates in an interview shortly after casting their votes, described as a reciprocating gesture to Hon. Umar Bello Badawere for his selfless service to the people.
In their separate comments, shortly after casting their votes, some electorates Aliyu Muhammed, Siddiki Lamu, and Suzanne Bitrus a.k.a Women Leader all expressed hope that with the coming of Hon. Umar Bello Badawere, as chairman, their youth, who are graduates, including women, would be engaged, as well as witness more development.
However, at the Sabon Layi polling unit in Sunkani, the member representing Karim-Lamido, Lau, and Ardo-Kola Federal Constituency, Hon. A.M Lauya described the election as the most peaceful and commended Governor Agbu Kefas for all-inclusive governance and fostering unity amongst Tarabans.
The results of the election in the 16 LGAs are expected to be announced soon, as all is set for the announcement at the Ardo-Kola LGC Secretariat in Sunkani.
At the collation centre in the local government’s headquarters, Sunkani, the outgoing chairman, Hon. Isma’ila Zakari a.k.a Dangote, appreciated the people of Ardo-Kola and Governor Agbu Kefas for the opportunity given to him to serve and promised to support his successor, Hon. Umar Bello Badawere, for him to also succeed.
