Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and senatorial aspirant for Taraba Central on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Babangida Nguroje, has explained the reasons behind his withdrawal from the senatorial race, saying the decision was taken in the interest of peace, unity and party cohesion.

Nguroje said his decision followed extensive consultations and interventions by key stakeholders within the party, who urged all aspirants to close ranks and strengthen the APC ahead of the general elections.

The former lawmaker, who also served as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission), said his withdrawal was a product of a painstaking and collective process, not personal ambition.

In a statement issued in Abuja, he stressed that the move should not be interpreted as weakness but as a deliberate sacrifice in the overall interest of party unity and electoral success.

He maintained that politics must be understood as a platform for sacrifice, service, and responsibility, rather than individual gain.

Nguroje expressed concern over the socio-economic challenges facing Taraba Central Senatorial District, describing the situation as urgent and requiring sustained federal intervention, particularly in unlocking the economic potential of the Mambilla Plateau.

He said harnessing the region’s resources would help address long-standing issues of poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment, adding that governance must remain people-focused.

According to him, politics should not end with elections but must continue as a commitment to responding to the needs and aspirations of the people.

He urged his supporters to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of Governor Kefas Agbu would eventually yield positive results for Taraba State.