By Terna Chikpa
A renowned medical doctor and candidate of the Accord Party for the Ardo-Kola/Karim-Lamido/Lau Federal Constituency of Taraba State, Dr Tijo Kenneth Mingeh, on Thursday said he was contesting the election to alleviate his constituents from years of deplorable conditions and create a new chapter of better living in the constituency.
Dr Tijo, while addressing journalists to mark the commencement of his campaign for the upcoming election, lamented the longstanding infrastructural challenges facing the constituency and the lack of access to adequate healthcare services.
The Accord Party candidate also decried continued government and representative neglect, which he said had worsened the constituency’s situation in the areas of security and youth employment.
He pledged to attract greater government presence to improve the lives of his constituents.
“For too long, our people have cried for better roads, potable water, jobs for our youths, security for our farmers, and quality healthcare.
“My desire is to work with federal security agencies to end farmer-herder clashes and all forms of criminality and protect all communities in the constituency.
“I will prioritise healthcare and education for the constituents. My desire is to upgrade PHCs, provide anti-snake venom and facilitate the establishment of a snake research centre. I will support free maternal and child health initiatives, provide scholarships and JAMB registration support, and ensure no child is left behind.
“I will ensure that infrastructural development and youth employment are greatly improved in the constituency. I will work closely with relevant stakeholders, agencies and committees to attract federal projects such as roads, boreholes and electricity to connect farmlands and wards. I hope to establish mini-solar grids and provide transformers to communities.
“My desire is also to attract a Federal Skills Centre, where small-scale entrepreneurs can access loans, and also promote agricultural value-chain support for our youths and women,” Dr Tijo pledged.
The Accord Party House of Representatives hopeful urged Tarabans to vote out failed leaders in favour of better infrastructural and economic development in the state.
“This campaign is not about me or the Accord Party. It is about you—the students, farmers, traders, businesspeople, people living with disabilities and every family seeking a better tomorrow.
“This is not the Ardo-Kola/Karim-Lamido/Lau Federal Constituency that we yearn for. The Taraba we desire needs to be actualised for the future of our children,” he added.
While urging voters to support Accord Party candidates in the 2027 general election, he promised to run an issue-based, peaceful and respectful campaign, free from violence and insults against opponents.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a free, fair and credible election in 2027.
