Taraba State, one of the most culturally diverse and agriculturally rich states in North-East Nigeria, is home to a good number of prominent politicians who have influenced national and state-level politics. Beyond their political roles, many of them have also built wealth through business, public service, and strategic investments.
In this detailed blog post, we will explore the lives and careers of the top 10 richest politicians in Taraba State, highlighting their estimated net worth, major accomplishments, and how they rose to prominence both politically and financially.
1. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma – Net Worth: $5 Billion
When it comes to wealth and influence, no politician from Taraba State comes close to General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd.). Born in Takum in 1938, Danjuma is not just a military legend; he is one of the wealthiest men in Nigeria as a whole.
He served as Chief of Army Staff under General Olusegun Obasanjo between 1975 and 1979 and was also Nigeria’s Minister of Defence during the democratic regime of President Obasanjo (1999–2003). His military service earned him honour and national recognition, but his wealth came majorly from business ventures.
He is the founder and chairman of South Atlantic Petroleum Limited, an oil exploration company with lucrative stakes in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Danjuma also invests heavily in real estate, shipping, and telecommunications. Apart from being wealthy, he is a generous philanthropist and the founder of the TY Danjuma Foundation, which supports health and education initiatives across Nigeria.
2. Dalhatu Umaru Sangari – Net Worth: $3.2 Billion
Dalhatu Sangari is a name that commands respect in both academic and political circles. A native of Taraba South, he started his career in education as a geography lecturer at Bayero University Kano. His passion for leadership and development pushed him into politics, where he became a senator representing Taraba Central.
While not always in the public eye like some others, Sangari has amassed considerable wealth through consultancy, agriculture, real estate, and partnerships with foreign investors in the power and education sectors. He is also known for being a silent investor in logistics and construction firms operating across the northern states.
His ability to balance political service and business interests makes him one of the most financially successful politicians in Taraba State.
3. Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf – Net Worth: $1.5 Billion
Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf, from Nguroje in Sardauna Local Government Area, is another wealthy and influential politician from Taraba. He has a strong academic background with a BSc in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, and an MSc in Economics from the University of East Anglia, UK.
He started his political journey as an economist and adviser before contesting and winning the Senate seat for Taraba Central. His political success is complemented by smart investments in banking, international trade, and education. He is one of the few politicians who transitioned smoothly from academia to politics and then to business without much controversy.
Yusuf also owns shares in several local and international firms in the financial sector and remains a mentor to many young politicians from the North-East.
4. Jolly Tavoro Nyame – Net Worth: $650 Million
Reverend Jolly Nyame is a household name in Taraba politics. He served as the governor of the state from 1999 to 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Before becoming governor, he had already made a name for himself as a clergyman and public servant.
Though his post-governorship years were marred by corruption allegations that eventually led to a conviction and subsequent pardon, Nyame still ranks among the wealthiest politicians in the state. His wealth is believed to have come from political rewards, real estate development, and agricultural investments.
Many political observers in Taraba still credit him for laying the groundwork for the state’s infrastructure and educational institutions during his tenure.
5. Sani Abubakar Danladi – Net Worth: $550 Million
Sani Danladi is well-known for his dynamic political career. He served as Deputy Governor and was later sworn in as Acting Governor of Taraba State. He has also served as a senator for Taraba North.
Danladi is widely respected for his political manoeuvring and influence, especially within the All Progressives Congress (APC). His wealth is largely attributed to contracts, consultancy, and stakes in oil and gas companies. He is also said to own extensive farmlands and properties within the state and Abuja.
His influence in both the business and political world continues to grow, making him a major player in Taraba’s socio-political space.
6. David Sabo Kente – Net Worth: $500 Million
Popularly known as DSK, David Sabo Kente is a politician, philanthropist, and businessman who hails from Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State. He is the founder of the DSK Foundation and DSK Group International Ltd., which operates in sectors like construction, oil and gas, real estate, and media.
Kente once contested for the Taraba governorship seat and has served as the Director of Finance in the National Assembly. In 2022, he was appointed as a member of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), a federal body focused on rebuilding the Northeast.
His financial success comes mainly from his business ventures and federal appointments, and he remains one of the biggest philanthropists in the region.
7. Darius Dickson Ishaku – Net Worth: $8 Million
Architect by profession, politician by choice—Darius Ishaku served as Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs and later as Minister for Environment before becoming the Executive Governor of Taraba State in 2015 under PDP.
His earnings come from professional practice in architecture, political appointments, and state management. As governor, he championed projects in health, road construction, and education.
Despite controversies surrounding some of his policies, Ishaku is widely regarded as a visionary leader with a keen eye for urban development.
8. Emmanuel Bwacha – Net Worth: $2 Million
Emmanuel Bwacha, from Donga Local Government Area, has served as a member of the House of Representatives and as a senator for Taraba South. He is also known for being the Senate Deputy Minority Leader.
He is one of the longest-serving lawmakers from the state and has accumulated wealth through legislative allowances, investments in agriculture, and real estate. Bwacha is also known for his extensive philanthropic work, especially in his senatorial zone.
His calm and strategic approach to politics has earned him respect from both political allies and rivals.
9. Mark Bako Useni – Net Worth: $1 Million
Mark Useni started his political career in the state assembly where he later rose to become the Speaker. He now represents Takum/Donga/Ussa/Yangtu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
His wealth is mostly from political salaries, consultancy jobs, and minor investments in the hospitality and retail sectors. While not among the biggest names nationally, Useni holds a firm grip within his constituency and continues to influence grassroots politics in Taraba.
10. Abubakar Umar Tutare – Net Worth: $350,000
Tutare has held key positions in Taraba’s government, including Commissioner of Finance and Senator for Taraba Central. Though not very wealthy compared to others on this list, he has had a meaningful impact on policy and public finance in the state.
His income sources are limited to his career in public service and small business ventures, but his role in budgeting and financial planning helped shape Taraba’s fiscal development in the 2000s.
Summary Table – Richest Politicians in Taraba State (2025)
| Rank | Name | Net Worth | Major Roles Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Theophilus Danjuma | $5 Billion | Chief of Army Staff, Minister of Defence |
| 2 | Dalhatu Umaru Sangari | $3.2 Billion | Senator, Lecturer, Business Investor |
| 3 | Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf | $1.5 Billion | Economist, Senator |
| 4 | Jolly Tavoro Nyame | $650 Million | Governor of Taraba State |
| 5 | Sani Abubakar Danladi | $550 Million | Deputy Governor, Senator |
| 6 | David Sabo Kente (DSK) | $500 Million | NEDC Member, Businessman |
| 7 | Darius Dickson Ishaku | $8 Million | Architect, Governor, Minister |
| 8 | Emmanuel Bwacha | $2 Million | Senator, Reps Member |
| 9 | Mark Bako Useni | $1 Million | Speaker, House of Representatives Member |
| 10 | Abubakar Umar Tutare | $350,000 | Commissioner, Senator |
Final Thoughts
Taraba State’s political elite are not just known for their positions of power but also for their financial strength, entrepreneurial spirit, and societal impact. While many of them have built their wealth through business and investments, others made their mark through public service and political strategy.
These politicians remain key influencers in shaping the future of the state and serve as examples of how political leadership and economic success often go hand-in-hand in Nigeria’s democratic space.
