Senator Emmanuel Bwacha 



By Musa Peace Affos (Rhapsodi)

Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, one of Taraba’s most enduring political figures, has recently marked a personal milestone: he has been called to the Nigerian Bar. Rhapsodi Affos Blog RAB notes that this achievement adds fresh prestige to a political journey spanning over two decades, from local government administration to the National Assembly. 

Yet, while this personal accomplishment shines, the political landscape around him has shifted dramatically. 

Governor Agbu Kefas has defected to the APC, bringing along his political structures and loyalists, a move that now shapes Bwacha’s prospects within the party.



Senator Emmanuel Bwacha ESQ



A Steady Rise Through the Ranks

Bwacha’s political career has been one of steady progression. Beginning in state government in 1999, he moved to the House of Representatives in 2003 before winning a Senate seat for Taraba South in 2011, which he held for three consecutive terms. Over the years, he built strong networks and a loyal base, becoming a familiar and influential figure in Taraba politics.


Rift with Governor Darius Ishaku

Before leaving the PDP, Bwacha’s relationship with then-Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku had deteriorated due to internal power struggles, succession disagreements, marginalization, and factional conflicts within the party. The growing tension eventually pushed Bwacha to defect to the APC, where he pursued the governorship in 2023. He finished third, behind Governor Agbu Kefas of PDP and the NNPP candidate, marking a significant setback in his ambition for the state’s top office.


Danjuma Shidi and the Senate Dynamics

Southern Taraba politics is further complicated by Danjuma Shidi (Danji-SS). Once mentored and supported by Bwacha, Shidi served in the House of Representatives under APGA before joining APC. He contested for the Senate seat for Taraba South but was sidelined by court rulings that confirmed David Jimkuta as the rightful APC candidate. Shidi later moved to ADC, fragmenting the political base Bwacha once commanded. Any attempt by Bwacha to return to the Senate will face stiff competition from incumbents, Shidi, and emerging political figures.


Kefas’ Defection: A Game-Changer

Governor Kefas’ defection to APC, along with his structures and loyalists, has significantly shifted the party’s power balance. The sitting governor now effectively controls APC machinery, delegates, and grassroots networks, making Bwacha’s influence within the party limited. This dramatically reduces his chances of winning another governorship bid within APC and complicates any potential Senate ambitions.


Options and the Road Ahead

Despite the challenges, Bwacha’s political career is far from over. His decades of experience, strong grassroots presence, high name recognition, and legal qualification provide multiple paths forward. He could attempt a Senate comeback, reposition himself as a power broker, or leave APC to explore opportunities with PDP, ADC, or SDP. Each option carries risks and opportunities, but all hinge on his next strategic moves.

Bwacha stands at a critical crossroads. The recent developments, particularly Kefas’ defection, have made the political terrain more complex, but they do not signal the end of his relevance. His next steps will determine whether he stages a comeback, maintains influence from the sidelines, or charts a new trajectory in Taraba politics. For now, his future remains uncertain, but full of possibilities.

Rhapsodi Affos Blog - RAB