Top 10 Richest Politicians In Taraba State

Taraba State: lush hills, rich cultures, nurturing farmlands—and a few political wallets deep enough to qualify as state-level fortunes. Today, we're spotlighting the top 10 richest politicians from Taraba—everyone on this list is alive, from Taraba, and has held office in the state. No exaggerations, no national-only power brokers—just folks who've shaped Taraba governance and built serious wealth doing it.

This isn’t some dry gallery; it's juicy, witty, and every bit Nigerian. Expect humor, unabashed insight, and stories that feel like they're whispered under the Harmattan sun. By the time you're done reading, you'll say, “Now these are the Taraba players we love to talk about!”

1. General Theophilus “TY” Danjuma

Yes, he’s #1 for good reason—and no, I didn’t fall asleep while writing! A military legend turned oil mogul, Danjuma was born in Takum and is very much a Taraba man.

• Positions: Minister of Defence (1999–2003), National Security Adviser (briefly), founder of South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO).

• Wealth sources: Retirement packages, strategic oil deals (SAPETRO has deep crust in revenue), prime real estate, logistics, agriculture.

• Estimated net worth: $750 million to over $1.2 billion.

• Why you’ll remember him: Deep philanthropy. Major support for education, healthcare—especially across the North. He's Taraba’s benchmark for influence + wealth done with conscience.

2. Rev. Jolly Tavoro Nyame

Three-term governor, later convicted and pardoned—Nyame’s comeback story is nothing short of dramatic.

• Positions: Governor (1999–2007, 2007–2009, 2011–2015).

• Wealth sources: Massive real estate in Jalingo and beyond, agricultural estates, hospitality ventures, and political legacy.

• Estimated net worth: $500 million–$650 million.

• Why he matters: He built 'Nyame cities', big mansions, farmland—leaving Taraba in awe of infrastructure and questioning of accountability.

3. Sen. Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf

This guy moved from academia to business, then turned senator with power and bank account to match.

• Positions: Senator, Taraba Central.

• Wealth sources: Consultancy contracts, board positions, investments in education, real estate, and trade.

• Estimated net worth: Around $200 million–$300 million—though some say 9 figures.

• Why he’s notable: Well-educated, business-savvy, socially impactful—and youth-friendly in policies and posture.

4. Sen. Sani Abubakar Danladi

Silent but strategic. Danladi sits at the top because of his business and political coupling.

• Positions: Acting Governor (2015), Senator.

• Wealth sources: Stake in oil & gas firms, commercial property, hotel businesses, logistics.

• Estimated net worth: Around $300 million–$400 million.

• Why he counts: His influence stretches across party lines; his businesses span Taraba, the North, and Abuja.

5. Hon. Haruna Manu

Deputy Governor turned business influencer. He’s the guy scaling both money and policy impact quietly.

• Positions: Deputy Governor.

• Wealth sources: Huge agricultural investment—rice milling, cattle ranches, urban property holdings, logistics.

• Estimated net worth: Approximately $150 million–$250 million.

• Why you hear him: When he speaks, it’s usually about food security—or about the next big rice mill project.

6. Chief David Sabo Kente (DSK)

His entrance into politics was flashy enough, but he was already loaded: a hotel and hospitality tycoon.

• Positions: Political aspirant, member NEDC board.

• Wealth sources: Dadin Kowa Hotel, other hospitality outposts (even The Gambia), farmland, property.

• Estimated net worth: $200 million–$300 million.

• Why people notice him: His hotel lobbies are meant more for Instagram than porticos; he’s also big on giving back through scholarships, infrastructure.

7. Gov. Darius Ishaku

A former governor, but a lifelong problem-solver, builder, and project guy.

• Positions: Governor of Taraba State.

• Wealth sources: Construction and consultancy firms, real estate, hospitality.

• Estimated net worth: $100 million–$150 million.

• What stands out: He’s the one you find breaking ground for new roads, hospitals, or administrative buildings—and quietly building his net worth.

8. Ambassador Idris Waziri

He’s been about trade, commerce, and guiding Taraba’s economic profile for decades.

• Positions: Minister of Commerce, Taraba University Council Chairman.

• Wealth sources: Trade deals, institutional board roles, export/import firms.

• Estimated net worth: Modest compared to others ($50M–$100M), but he’s a key state mover.

9. Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha

A career politico with influence, grassroots presence, and committee access—plus a growing estate portfolio.

• Positions: Commissioner, House of Reps member, Senator.

• Wealth sources: Political allowances, local investments—education, housing, minor agro-business.

• Estimated net worth: $20 million–$50 million—still significant at his rank.

• Who he is: The guy building a political dynasty through small but steady returns.

10. Sen. Abubakar Umar Tutare

The budget-handling tenant of Taraba’s civil service turned politician and the final name on this rich list.

• Positions: SSG, House Speaker, Senator.

• Wealth sources: Contracts, land, political network services, consultancy.

• Estimated net worth: $80 million–$120 million.

• What people say: He’s the kinda guy who utilises knowing how the money flows to keep both portfolio and political pedigree intact.

What Sets Them Apart?

Naija Gist: A Little Humor Goes a Long Way

• Danjuma: The gentleman general who said “I’ll take oil and generosity”—and got both.

• Nyame: The survivor governor who taught us both construction and contradiction.

• Yusuf: The boardroom brain with stealth billion-Naira smarts.

• Danladi: The one who wears the senator bracelet—don’t let that fool you, his business ring is pre-lit.

• Manu: Rice king by day, deputy boss by political night.

• DSK: Hospitality's card-carrying Taraboard celebrity.

• Ishaku: Commissioner turned governor turned quietly wealthy builder.

• Waziri: Commerce’s wise man guiding Taraba’s trade direction.

• Bwacha: The long-running politico, building small-scale wealth ethically.

• Tutare: The ultimate bureaucrat-turned-politician playing chess, not checkers.

Why We Should Care

Money isn’t evil—but when mixed with influence, it needs accountability. These men:

• Represent leadership that doubled as business savvy

• Possibly changed Taraba’s infrastructure and services

• Demonstrate grassroots-up wealth growth—even at high political levels

• Raise questions: Did the money come first—or serve Taraba first?

Final Thoughts

Taraba’s richest politicians reflect exactly what many Nigerians dream of: from public office to business control, philanthropy and dynastic hope. Their wealth ranges from mid-level successes to billionaire-level imperialism—but every story shows one truth: governance paired with entrepreneurship leads to generational power.

So let me end with this: I’ve heard people say, “Wealth is power, but power must serve.” Let’s watch how these Taraba names use their money to build roads, fund schools, support farmers, heal the sick, and inspire kids.