Mamman Legacy Initiative Accuses Taraba Government Of Targeting Saleh Mamman Ahead Of 2027 Poll

A political advocacy group, the Mamman Legacy Initiative (MLI), has accused the Taraba State Government of allegedly orchestrating a campaign of intimidation

Mamman Legacy Initiative Accuses Taraba Government of Targeting Saleh Mamman Ahead of 2027 Poll A political advocacy group, the Mamman Legacy Initiative (MLI), has accused the Taraba State Government of allegedly orchestrating a campaign of intimidation against former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman, claiming that state authorities are using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to weaken his political influence ahead of the 2027 governorship election. In a statement issued on Monday in Jalingo, MLI alleged that actions involving security operatives and anti‑graft agencies were politically motivated and aimed at undermining Mamman’s grassroots support across Taraba State. The group said the Taraba government’s alleged use of the EFCC to target Mamman represents a “calculated and systematic attempt” to sideline him in the run‑up to next year’s election. It claimed recent reports that security operatives surrounded Mamman’s residence were meant to disrupt a planned homecoming rally scheduled for April 4 and intimidate his supporters. MLI described past corruption allegations against Mamman including claims he hid large sums of cash as unsubstantiated and lacking credible evidence, asserting that the timing and nature of the actions suggest political interference. Saleh Mamman, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari and has roots in Taraba State, has not officially declared his intention to run in the 2027 governorship election. However, speculation about his potential candidacy has grown in recent months.

MLI accused the current administration in Taraba of resorting to institutional pressure rather than policy‑based engagement and called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure fairness and transparency in its candidate selection process, citing ongoing disputes within the party. The group urged Mamman’s supporters to remain calm and expressed confidence that “truth and justice will ultimately prevail” amid rising political tensions.

MLI’s statement also raised concerns about the state of democratic processes and political tolerance in the lead‑up to the 2027 elections, questioning whether citizens are being penalised for participating in political activities. As of the time of filing, neither the Taraba State Government nor the EFCC had issued a response to the allegations