Kente Explains His Decision to Bow Out of the Taraba 2027 Governorship Race

The political landscape in Taraba State was recently heated up following the decision of frontline governorship aspirant, David Sabo Kente, to step aside from the 2027 governorship contest, a development that triggered mixed reactions among his supporters and political observers across the state.

While many of his supporters expressed disappointment and confusion over the move, Kente and his loyalists insist the decision was neither an act of weakness nor political compromise, but one guided by broader considerations of peace, stability, and political maturity.

In a statement issued by his media consultant, Ben Adaji, on Friday in Jalingo, the former governorship hopeful explained that this was the first time in his political journey that he voluntarily withdrew from a governorship race despite years of persistence and repeated attempts to lead Taraba State.

According to the statement, Kente remained steadfast in all his previous governorship ambitions, particularly in 2015, when he contested till the very end despite political pressures and challenges.

The statement further revisited the political circumstances surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship tickets in previous election cycles. It recalled that in 2019, former Acting Governor, Sani Abubakar Danladi, was brought into the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and eventually emerged as the party’s candidate.

Similarly, in 2023, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha was said to have secured the APC governorship ticket after defecting from the PDP less than three months before the election.

Observers say these historical references were intended to demonstrate Kente’s consistency and loyalty to the APC despite internal political realignments that repeatedly altered the party’s governorship calculations in Taraba State.

Adaji disclosed that Kente’s decision to withdraw from the race came after sustained consultations and appeals from respected religious leaders, traditional elders, and influential stakeholders within and outside Taraba State.

According to him, the appeals centered on the need to preserve peace and maintain political stability in the state and the wider region ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political analysts believe the development reflects the growing influence of consensus-building and stakeholder intervention in Nigeria’s internal party politics, particularly in states where political tensions often escalate during party primaries.

The statement also sought to dismiss allegations circulating in some political circles that Kente may have accepted financial inducement to withdraw from the race.

“Kente has repeatedly announced that he has spent huge resources in this current attempt to secure the ticket of the APC to be its flagbearer in Taraba State,” the statement noted.

Supporters of the businessman-turned-politician argued that his long-standing political involvement has always been driven by a desire to provide leadership and development for the people of Taraba rather than personal economic gain.

The statement further emphasized Kente’s business background, arguing that the resources committed to the governorship project could have yielded significant returns if invested in Abuja’s booming property sector.

To his allies, this serves as proof that his political ambitions were motivated by public service and not financial profit.

“Kente never ran elections for personal economic benefits but to provide leadership and development to Taraba people,” the statement added.

The politician was also quoted as saying: “God knows my heart, and everyone is entitled to his opinion.”

While some have accepted the decision as a strategic sacrifice for the greater good, others continue to view the withdrawal as a painful setback, especially after contributing personal resources toward the purchase of nomination and expression of interest forms.

However, the statement appealed for calm and understanding, assuring supporters that political opportunities remain open in the future.

“There is always another time. There could also be several other opportunities,” the statement said.

Kente’s withdrawal is expected to reshape political calculations within the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Taraba State.

As one of the party’s most recognizable political figures in the state, analysts believe his next political move and possible alliances may significantly influence the direction of the contest.

For now, however, Kente appears determined to present his decision as one rooted not in defeat, but in political conviction, consultation, and what he describes as the overriding interest of peace and stability in Taraba State.