By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente (DSK), has urged Governor Agbu Kefas to ensure unity between old and new members of the party in order to strengthen the APC’s chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chief Kente, who was a governorship aspirant in the 2023 election, made the call while speaking with journalists on Monday in Jalingo.
He disclosed that his ambition to govern Taraba State remains strong, expressing confidence that with faith in God, his aspiration would one day be realised.
The APC stalwart, who recognised Governor Kefas as the leader of the party in the state, called on him to fast-track the process of assimilation and ensure that all members are carried along.
“I wish to urge Governor Kefas and all those who have defected to the APC and now control the party structure to be fair and considerate to old members, in order to guarantee unity and the party’s chances of winning in the 2027 election,” Kente said.
He warned that the party could experience internal crises if inclusiveness is not prioritised.
“We may experience implosion if we fail to run an inclusive system where both old and new members feel a sense of belonging,” he cautioned.
Chief Kente further stated that his governorship ambition remains intact, noting that both he and Governor Kefas hail from the same local government area.
“My aspiration to be governor is still high, even though both the governor and I are from the same local government,” he said.
He also alleged that some party members were fanning the embers of disunity and conflict, urging such individuals to desist.
“I have gathered that some members of the party are promoting disunity. I urge them to stop, as the party will deploy appropriate mechanisms to deal with such actions,” he warned.
Chief Kente lamented his exclusion and that of other loyal members from the affairs of governance since Governor Kefas assumed office.
“We were among those who protested against the APC and worked tirelessly to ensure the victory of Governor Kefas in the 2023 election. Unfortunately, many of us who made sacrifices and went against party lines have not been involved in governance,” he said.
He, however, expressed optimism that reconciliation was still possible.
“I cannot say the situation is entirely bad. There is still room for improvement and reconciliation,” he added.
The APC chieftain called for collective reasoning and teamwork to avoid internal conflicts within the party.
He also warned against the displacement of old members, saying such actions could trigger crises detrimental to the party’s growth.
“Governor Kefas, as the leader of the APC in Taraba State, has a major responsibility to unite the party. About 60 per cent of APC members worked for him in 2023,” he stated.
“The people he is meeting on ground are already his people, and he needs to strengthen that relationship.”
Chief Kente commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts, particularly in economic stabilisation and security, and urged Nigerians to support the president to enable him to succeed.
