From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
Top All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente (DSK), is expected in Jalingo today amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kente has warned that any attempt to impose consensus candidates on the party could spell doom for the APC in Taraba State.
The APC chieftain gave the warning on Wednesday at his country home in Wukari Local Government Area while addressing supporters and loyalists during a reception organised in his honour following the successful submission of his nomination form and screening exercise.
He disclosed that he only joined the governorship race after sustained pressure from party stakeholders and supporters became irresistible.
Kente, a renowned philanthropist in the state, is contesting for the governorship position on the platform of the ruling APC.
“As you are aware, we all came together irrespective of our political affiliations to elect Dr Agbu Kefas as Governor in 2023 with the hope that as a vibrant gentleman he would work to provide the needed development and deliver dividends of democracy to the teeming masses of the state.
“You will also agree with me that because of misgovernance and the disenchantment with the present administration, well meaning Tarabans including APC critical stakeholders have mounted pressure on me to come forward and contest the gubernatorial election of 2027 to save the State from total collapse.
“This pressure has continued to resonate until a few weeks ago when the stakeholders and leaders of thought from the 16 local governments of the State converged on Wukari and resolved to use their personal resources to obtain the Intent/Nomination forms for me to come to rescue Taraba in forthcoming general elections,” he said.
Kente explained that after the Wukari meeting, he embarked on wider consultations with major stakeholders across the state before finally deciding to answer the call to contest.
“I have therefore resolved to enter the race to rescue Taraba come 2027. As an apostle of zoning, I therefore, resolve to serve for four years to complete Dr. Kefas remaining term if elected, and thereafter return power to either the Northern or Central Senatorial Districts.
“It is surprising that just yesterday, Governor Kefas hurriedly made some funny appointments of about 200 special advisers, including some of our supporters. Please be aware that the appointments are not in good faith……, Please shine your eyes.
“We are indeed on a rescue mission, and it is a project that all patriotic Tarabans must join hands and participate in,” he said.
