By Terna Chikpa
A philanthropist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief David Sabo Kente, has accepted calls to contest the 2027 governorship election in Taraba State.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that Chief Kente had earlier rejected appeals from various groups who offered to purchase the APC governorship nomination form for him.
However, following sustained pressure, the philanthropist has now agreed to contest the election, in line with the wishes of party loyalists.
Speaking at the event on Saturday in Abuja, the leader of the delegation, Hon. Godwin Villannah, said Governor Agbu Kefas’ alleged poor performance, insensitive handling of party affairs, and neglect of party loyalists compelled them to urge Chief Kente to step in and “rescue” the state.
According to the delegation, Chief Kente had in 2023 urged members of his DSK political organisation across the 16 local government areas of Taraba State to support Governor Kefas due to the crisis within the PDP at the time. They, however, claimed that the governor has failed to deliver on his mandate.
“Chief Kente prevailed on us to vote for Governor Kefas in the 2023 election. We believed he would deliver, but unfortunately, what we have witnessed in the last three years has been terribly disappointing,” the group said.
The delegation further alleged that Governor Kefas has prioritised unfulfilled promises over tangible development.
“Rather than delivering the dividends of democracy, what we have seen are failed promises without any meaningful development to show for it, despite the significant resources that have accrued to the state within the period under review.
“Since his defection to the APC, the governor has been running the affairs of the party like his personal estate, sidelining stakeholders and chieftains who invested their resources in building the party.
“He has ignored calls from party members demanding equitable power-sharing, particularly in appointments, which have largely favoured those who defected with him from the PDP.
“It is disappointing that the first road commissioned in three years is the 5km Ibi/Nwonyo road, which is in poor condition.
“The proposed Wukari flyover, township roads, and international stadium remain unfulfilled promises, while the Jalingo township roads, reportedly to be handled by military engineers, have deteriorated further,” they alleged.
The delegation maintained that beyond political calculations ahead of 2027, the people of the state are yearning for genuine development and inclusive governance.
“As concerned citizens and committed party members who uphold democratic values, we are worried about the preparedness of our party heading into the 2027 governorship election with Governor Kefas as candidate.
“It is on this basis that we appeal to Chief Kente to contest and help reposition Taraba State,” they added.
Responding, Chief David Sabo Kente thanked the delegation for the confidence reposed in him and commended their loyalty to the APC.
He assured that, if elected, he would meet the expectations of the people and work towards making Taraba State greater.
