TARABA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL SUSPENDS DISTRICT HEAD OVER SON’S REFUSAL TO QUIT ADC RACE

The Kuma Traditional Council in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State has suspended the District Head of Wurbo Gashiri in Kuma Chiefdom, Alh. Babaji Abubakar Garba Jugulde, following his son’s refusal to withdraw from the 2027 Gembu State Constituency House of Assembly election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The Taraba district head suspended son ADC development has raised serious questions about the politicisation of traditional institutions and the lengths to which incumbents will go to protect their seats.

THE SUSPENSION

According to reports, the suspension was handed down by the Kuma Traditional Council after the District Head’s son insisted on contesting the Gembu State Constituency seat on the ADC platform.

The Council’s action appears to be linked to pressure from political interests who want the ADC candidate out of the race.

THE POLITICAL CONTEXT

The development comes amid allegations that the incumbent member representing Gembu State Constituency, Hon. Abdulazeez Suleiman Titong, is apprehensive about the prospect of losing his seat in the forthcoming election.

The implication is stark: a traditional ruler has been suspended not for any wrongdoing, but because his son chose to exercise his democratic right to contest an election.

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WHY IT MATTERS

Traditional institutions in Nigeria are supposed to be above partisan politics. District Heads and traditional rulers are expected to serve all members of their communities regardless of political affiliation.

When a traditional council suspends a District Head because his son is running for office against an incumbent, it sends a chilling message. It suggests that the traditional institution has been weaponised for political purposes.

If the District Head’s son cannot contest an election without his father facing suspension, what does that say about the state of democracy in Taraba State?

ValidViewNetwork reports that the suspension has not been officially confirmed by the Kuma Traditional Council. The ADC candidate has not commented publicly on the development.