The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State is engulfed in a deepening crisis as party leaders struggle to forge a consensus for elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections. The push for a unified candidate has met with significant resistance, particularly in the governorship race, revealing stark divisions among key stakeholders.
At the heart of the conflict is Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, who seeks a second term under the APC banner. His ambition is being vigorously challenged by two notable aspirants: philanthropist Chief David Sabo Kente and former Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo. These challengers have refused to endorse the consensus arrangement pushed by the state leadership, insisting on a transparent primary process.
In a bid to ease tensions, Governor Kefas held a late-night closed-door meeting with Chief Kente on Friday. Sources indicate the discussions aimed at reconciling aggrieved factions and persuading Kente to support the consensus bid. This meeting came shortly after Kente publicly declared his candidacy in Wukari, denouncing earlier backroom overtures and calling for a credible selection process.
Meanwhile, former Minister Sambo has remained steadfast against the consensus approach, advocating for direct primaries to ensure fairness. He has been rallying party members across all 168 electoral wards of the state, building grassroots support for his own candidacy. Political observers note that the outcome of negotiations between Kefas and Kente will likely determine whether the Taraba APC remains united or slides into a fractious and unpredictable primary contest.