From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente (DSK), has pledged to change what he described as the negative narrative of the state if elected governor in 2027.
Kente also declared that the incumbent governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has only 12 months left before handing over power to a new administration.
The APC chieftain made the remarks on Thursday while addressing a mammoth crowd of party supporters shortly after arriving in Jalingo, the state capital.
He urged residents and party faithful not to repeat past mistakes but to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote out underperforming leaders.
Speaking with journalists after addressing supporters, Kente lamented what he termed the backwardness of Taraba State despite huge allocations received from the Federal Government over the years.
He pointed to the poor state of infrastructure across the state, particularly citing the deplorable condition of the Wukari–Jalingo road.
According to him, family relationships should not override the collective interest of the people.
“Although the governor is my younger brother, the current administration has failed to meet the aspirations and expectations of the people of Taraba State,” he said.
“As a senior brother, I believe it is necessary for me to step in and do what is right for the people.”
Kente further disclosed that he had never benefited from state government contracts, noting that his career was built through his experience at the State Ministry of Agriculture, World Bank projects, the North East Development Commission (NEDC), and private business ventures.
Describing himself as a businessman, philanthropist and development advocate, Kente recalled that his first governorship bid was in 2015 on the APC platform.
He added that he has remained a longstanding member of the party and played key roles in strengthening the APC in Taraba State, including supporting the emergence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, as well as backing the election of Governor Agbu Kefas.
“I am among those who contributed to the emergence of the present governor, Agbu Kefas. My support played a role in his victory, but he has not performed well, and that is why I have decided to personally step in to help reposition Taraba State,” Kente stated.
He reaffirmed his determination to rescue the state from underdevelopment and reposition it for economic growth, infrastructural development and effective governance.
