The Accord Party governorship candidate in Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has explained his decision to select Prince Tanimu Ibrahim Ali as his deputy governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nyameh, popularly known as “The People’s Professor,” said the choice was based on competence, administrative experience, grassroots connection and the ability to complement his vision for the state.

In a statement issued out to media men in Monday in Jalingo, Nyameh said the question of who would emerge as his running mate had dominated discussions among party supporters and Tarabans following his emergence as the Accord Party’s candidate.

He explained that selecting a deputy governorship candidate was not simply a constitutional requirement but a decision that required finding a partner capable of contributing meaningfully to the administration and development of the state.

According to him, the office of the Deputy Governor requires “competence, maturity, administrative experience, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of governance and leadership.”

Nyameh said he therefore sought a running mate who could complement his vision and effectively handle responsibilities that may be assigned to the office, including the supervision and coordination of government agencies.
He said the recommendation of Prince Tanimu Ibrahim Ali by the party’s selection and recommendation committee convinced him that Ali possessed the qualities required for the position.

“Prince Tanimu Ibrahim Ali has a strong background in Administration and Accounting. He served in the local government system and rose through the ranks to become Director of Budget and Planning before his retirement,” Nyameh said.

He added that Ali’s career had exposed him to public administration, grassroots governance, institutional management and the workings of government service.
The Accord candidate also highlighted Ali’s experience across Taraba State’s three senatorial zones, saying this had given him a broad understanding of the state’s diverse communities, needs and administrative challenges.

Nyameh stressed that he was not looking for a running mate merely to fulfil a constitutional obligation.
“I was looking for someone with experience, competence, discipline, administrative understanding, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of Taraba’s agenda,” he said.

Beyond Ali’s professional background, Nyameh said the prince’s humility and simplicity also influenced his decision.
He described Ali as a member of a royal family who, despite his background, relates with people with humility and without arrogance or pretence.

Nyameh expressed confidence that the Jerome-Tanimu ticket would provide a combination of integrity, leadership experience, administrative competence and grassroots connection.

He said the ticket was designed to work towards what he described as a “New Taraba,” insisting that the people of the state deserved leaders with the competence, courage and capacity to address their challenges.

“The people of Taraba deserve leadership that understands the challenges of the state and has the competence, courage, and capacity to address them,” Nyameh said.

He further stated that the Accord Party in Taraba had presented what he described as credible candidates across elective positions, adding that the candidates were prepared to serve the people.