David Sabo Kente, a former governorial candidate and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declined an offer from his supporters to buy the party’s nomination form on his behalf in advance of the 2027 Taraba state governorship contest, claiming it would be “premature” and incompatible with ongoing political consultations.
Kente clarified this on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting at the state’s Wukari local government council, when political allies from all 16 local government areas convened in what was perceived as an endorsement platform for his potential candidacy.
Over 300 delegates, including both current and former party officials, allegedly attended the event, which also functioned as a review session on the state’s changing political scene.
Kente emphasized that the timing was not appropriate for any formal statement or acceptance of financial backing for nomination forms, even as he expressed gratitude for the display of support. According to him, the established idea of power rotation within the state and justice must be respected in political decisions.
He warns that it would be “insensitive” to seek an extension beyond the anticipated rotation cycle because the Southern senatorial zone has maintained the governorship position for more than 10 years with the backing of both the Central and Northern zones.
He stated that before a final decision is taken, conversations with stakeholders both inside and outside the state are still ongoing. “It will be insensitive for us to begin to push for another possible eight years,” he added.
Strong criticism of Agbu Kefas’ administration was also present at the convention, with a number of speakers accusing the state government of excluding longstanding APC members from political jobs. Some participants claimed that newcomers were being given preference over devoted party members who helped the APC expand.
They called for a more balanced allocation of appointments between new and veteran party members to improve internal cohesion and cautioned that ongoing exclusion could force disgruntled stakeholders to examine other political alignments ahead of future elections.
Noting that voter turnout and involvement will be crucial to electoral victory, Kente called on party supporters to stay unified and step up grassroots mobilization, especially in the current voter registration drive.
Additionally, he reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that consistent support for the federal government will aid in the consolidation of national development initiatives.
Reiterating his political position, Kente stated that conversations were still in progress despite growing pressure from various organizations to run for governor in 2027.
Additionally, he criticized the state’s government approach, comparing it to “a sole administrator presiding over a democratic system.”
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