Table of Contents

  1. Call for Unity Among Party Members
  2. Peace Among Old and New Members
  3. Governor as the Leader of the Party
  4. Warning Against Internal Conflicts
  5. Political Ambitions and Democratic Processes
  6. Governorship Aspirations and Future Elections
  7. Consensus Building and Future Preparations

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Chief David Kente, has urged Governor Agbu Kefas to swiftly unite longtime party members with recent defectors to avert internal disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kente made this request on Monday while speaking to journalists in Jalingo, highlighting that despite significant defections from other political parties, the APC in the state has maintained a relative sense of peace.

He referred to Governor Kefas as the leader of the party in Taraba State and appealed for him to expedite the assimilation process and promote inclusivity in party matters.

“We have observed substantial defections into the APC, and so far, there is a degree of harmony among both existing and new members. However, those who have recently joined and taken over party structures should be generous and ensure the party is inclusive. Otherwise, there could be an implosion, which poses a greater risk than an open conflict,” he remarked.

He cautioned that internal disputes could be disastrous for the party and emphasized the necessity to harmonize all interests to enable the APC to approach future elections as a united front.

Kente also advised party members who are allegedly inciting disunity to refrain from such actions, adding that the party would not hesitate to implement appropriate disciplinary measures against those undermining internal cohesion.

He noted that some loyal party members who sacrificed to ensure the success of the current administration have not been adequately acknowledged, but he expressed hope that the situation could still be rectified through reconciliation.

“There is still potential for improvement. If we collaborate as a team, we can overcome these challenges. However, if we do not, we will continue to face issues,” he stated.

The APC leader accused certain politicians of intentionally fostering disunity due to fear and personal ambition, underscoring that political goals should be pursued through democratic means rather than conflict.

“Ambitions can be realized through democratic processes, not by sowing division and instability within the party,” Kente emphasized.

He further warned against attempts to marginalize longstanding party members, stating that such actions could lead to significant crises within the APC in Taraba State.

According to him, many party members contributed to the election of Governor Kefas and should not be sidelined.

“Any effort to displace members will be met with resistance, as some individuals are prepared to seek legal recourse to defend their interests,” he asserted.

Kente, who comes from the same local government area as the governor, remarked that the APC should ideally be united in support of Kefas but cautioned that ongoing exclusion of certain members could lead to multiple candidates vying for elective positions in upcoming elections.

“If the governor can bring everyone together, he will have a smoother path. However, if individuals feel excluded, numerous candidates, including those from Wukari, may contest various positions, including the governorship,” he warned.

He also revealed that his own ambition for the governorship is growing, recalling that the APC national leadership had indicated that future party primaries would be open, with no automatic nominations for incumbents.

Kente additionally called for consensus building within the party as preparations for the next electoral cycle begin, while praising President Bola Tinubu for what he described as significant progress in economic stability and improvements in security nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chief David Kente's message to Governor Agbu Kefas?

Chief David Kente urges Governor Kefas to unite longstanding party members with recent defectors to prevent internal conflicts ahead of the 2027 elections.

What is the current situation within the APC in Taraba State?

The APC in Taraba State has seen significant defections from other parties but continues to maintain relative peace among its members, both old and new.

What warnings did Kente provide regarding internal conflicts?

Kente warned that internal conflicts could be catastrophic for the party and emphasized the need for unity to effectively approach future elections.