2027 POLITICS:God Called Me to Serve, Says Tobi as 2027 Race for Gashaka–Kurmi–Sardauna Seat Takes Shape.

By Jako Keke, March 16, 2026.

A frontline aspirant for the Gashaka–Kurmi–Sardauna Federal Constituency seat, Hon. John Tobi, has declared that his decision to contest in the 2027 general elections is driven by a divine calling and a renewed desire to serve his people.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Jalingo Times Online Editor, the seasoned politician said his ambition to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives is based on a vision he believes was revealed to him by God.

Hon. Tobi, who currently holds the traditional title of Galadiman Tigun, said the time had come for him to re-enter the political arena after years of waiting due to zoning arrangements in the constituency.

According to him, his earlier experience as Executive Chairman of Kurmi Local Government Council and his continued engagement with communities across the constituency have strengthened his resolve to seek elective office again.

“I believe this ambition is not just personal. It is a vision God has shown me. The time has come for me to contest and serve my people again,” he said.

Tobi explained that although he has not formally unveiled his manifesto, his focus would be on improving the welfare and living conditions of residents across the three local government areas of the constituency—Gashaka, Kurmi and Sardauna.

He expressed concern over the level of infrastructural deficits in many rural communities, particularly access to clean drinking water.

“As a grassroots politician, I have visited several villages where people still share water from streams with animals. This is unacceptable. If given the mandate, I will lobby and work towards providing potable water and other essential services for our people,” he said.

The aspirant also pledged to prioritize the welfare of his constituents above personal gains if elected, stating that the bulk of his legislative benefits would be directed toward development initiatives in the constituency.

Drawing a comparison with biblical teachings on tithing, Tobi said he intends to channel a large portion of his official allocations into community development projects.

“In church, we are taught that ten percent belongs to God. In the same spirit, I will ensure that the greater part of what comes to me as a representative goes back to the people, because leadership is about service,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure as Kurmi council chairman, Tobi said he adopted a participatory leadership approach by consulting community elites and stakeholders before implementing development programmes.

“When I was elected chairman of Kurmi Local Government, I did not impose projects on the people. I invited community leaders and elites to present their development blueprints because they understood the needs of their communities better. Those blueprints guided our work throughout my tenure,” he explained.

He assured constituents that his leadership style would remain inclusive and transparent if elected to the National Assembly.

Tobi also spoke on his recent recognition by the traditional institution as Galadiman Tigun, describing the honour as a call to greater responsibility.

He expressed gratitude to the paramount ruler and the Tigun Chiefdom for the recognition, noting that the title reflects his contributions to the development and unity of the chiefdom.

“I see this title as a responsibility. Being the Galadiman Tigun means I must continue to work for the peace, progress and unity of our people,” he said.

On electoral reforms, the aspirant commended the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the National Assembly of Nigeria for supporting amendments to the Electoral Act (Nigeria) that provide greater flexibility for political parties to adopt direct primaries or consensus in 

candidate selection.

According to him, the reforms would help address concerns about candidate imposition and deepen internal democracy within political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also urged his supporters to maintain peace, maturity and discipline as the political process unfolds.

“Our supporters must remain calm and law-abiding. Politics should not divide us. The goal is to ensure that the people freely choose their representatives,” Tobi said.

The race for the Gashaka/Kurmi/Sardauna Federal Constituency seat is expected to intensify in the coming months as political activities gradually build toward the 2027 general elections.