SaharaReporters gathered Mamman already opened a campaign office in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, where he has begun receiving political stakeholders, party loyalists, and community groups.
A former Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman, who is currently standing trial over an alleged N33.8billion fraud, has commenced moves to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Taraba State ahead of the 2027 elections, SaharaReporters has learnt.
SaharaReporters gathered Mamman already opened a campaign office in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, where he has begun receiving political stakeholders, party loyalists, and community groups.
Campaign billboards bearing his image and political slogans have also surfaced across parts of the state capital, signalling the start of early mobilisation despite his ongoing prosecution.
On Friday, APC Local Government executives paid a visit to Mamman at his Jalingo campaign office.
In a statement issued by his media team, the party officials were quoted as offering prayers and pledging support for his governorship ambition, while discussions were also held on party affairs and future collaboration.
“By the grace of Allah, the journey will be successful,” the statement quoted the visitors as saying, as they expressed optimism about what they described as growing unity within the party.
Mamman also disclosed that members of the Jalingo Elders Forum visited him to offer prayers and declare support for his ambition. According to him, the elders pledged to commit their time, effort, and resources to ensuring the success of his governorship bid.
“I am grateful for their prayers and encouragement, and I remain committed to the betterment and development of all our people,” Mamman said in a statement dated January 17, 2026.
Mamman served as Nigeria’s Minister of Power from August 2019 until September 2021, when he was abruptly removed by late former President Muhammadu Buhari. At the time, the Presidency said his sack followed a “critical self-review” of his performance, coming exactly two years after his appointment.
The former minister is currently facing a 12-count charge before a Federal High Court, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on conspiracy and money laundering linked to the Mambilla Hydropower Project.
The anti-graft agency alleged that Mamman conspired to divert funds from the Mambilla–Zungeru Special Project Account domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria into private accounts.
Mamman has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his legal team insisting that he has no connection to the companies allegedly involved in the transactions.
Despite the unresolved corruption case, Mamman’s renewed political push is widely seen as a move to challenge incumbent Governor Agbu Kefas for control of the APC structure in Taraba State as the 2027 election cycle gradually approaches.