Intense political debate has broken out in Taraba State over Governor Agbu Kefas’s expected defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Many insiders see the move as a strategic move to weaken formidable opponents like Chief David Sabo Kente in the upcoming 2027 governorship race.
According to Daily Trust, political analysts are speculating that the defection—which is currently being discussed in Abuja and Taraba by PDP and APC stakeholders—could significantly alter the political landscape in Taraba.
Rumor has it that the governor and serving legislators would receive automatic tickets, according to sources inside both parties. This might mean that many long-time APC members are left out in the cold.
In Ibi, an APC supporter named Emmanuel James expressed concern that if the pact is upheld, it would create an unfair advantage for PDP defectors like Kefas while putting dedicated APC members like Chief Kente at a disadvantage.
“The governor is running into the APC to ensure his political future, not necessarily to strengthen the party,” James informed, adding, “James is adding that.
Many in the APC are worried about this new development, particularly those who have worked hard to grow the party’s support among the general public. Many party members are worried that Kefas’s entrance will upset the internal power dynamics and hurt the prospects of faithful party men in the run-up to the 2027 primaries.
There is a rising suspicion inside the APC that Governor Kefas’s action was an attempt to prevent Kente from receiving the APC ticket during the primaries, according to James Jonah, a politician from southern Taraba.
Even if it was strategically calculated, Dauda Bello, another APC loyalist, said that Kefas’s move might sow discontent.
For many years, the party was able to remain afloat because to the generosity of individuals like Sani Danladi and David Sabo Kente. “A crisis will definitely ensue if Kefas joins and takes over right now,” he said.
Victor Lawal, another party mainstay, characterized Kente—a “formidable force” in Taraba politics with influence outside the APC—as being the brother of Josiah Kente, Kefas’ political strategist.
“The PDP has always sleptless nights” due to Kente’s grassroots backing, according to Lawal. “Many see him as the obvious choice to head the APC in 2027 because of his consistent investments in the people through his DSK Foundation.”
The governorship has been located in Wukari Local Government in southern Taraba for more than ten years, and both Kefas and Kente are natives of that area.
According to political experts, the political rivalry in the southern zone is predicted to reach a peak in 2027, when the zone is scheduled to finish its two-term cycle.
As part of the plot to defect
Rumor has it that the governor and a slew of other high-ranking PDP officials, including sitting senators and representatives, will reportedly switch allegiances to the APC before the year comes to a close.
The two sides have reportedly already negotiated a “sharing formula” to suit both current and former members, according to an insider.
“The aim is that the governor and serving legislators will get automatic tickets, while other hopefuls will have to duke it out in the primary,” the person said. “This is the source of the conflict.”
The entrance of Kefas, according to Hassan Jika Ardos, a former interim chairman of the APC, could improve the party’s chances of winning elections.
Fairness and equity were the pillars around which the APC was built, he informed them. Treating everyone the same is important. There will be no need to fear the governor’s betrayal if we uphold internal justice.
Others are concerned that the defection would lead to the same mistakes in the past.
“Kente is simply one among many. Others exist as well. Another interested party, Charles Nuhu, warned that the APC would encounter a repeat of the pre-election turmoil unless proper precautions are made.
However, Barrister Ibrahim El-Sudi, the state head of the APC, reassured long-time party members that they need not be afraid, saying that the APC’s integration of former PDP members would be guided by the values of equity, justice, and mutual tolerance.
Since he did not return further calls, it was fruitless to attempt to validate rumors of automatic citations for the possible defectors.
APC must come together in order to win, asserts Kente
Chief David Sabo Kente, a prominent APC supporter and candidate for governor, finally spoke out about the scandal, saying that the admission of Governor Kefas could improve the party’s prospects but also has serious consequences for its internal harmony.
Former and current APC members alike, according to Kente, must “come together and work for common ground” if the party is to win the 2027 election.
“If Governor Kefas joins, it will have implications because many people already have ambitions on the ground,” he said, continuing, “the APC has never won the governorship election in Taraba State.” To win this election, we need to talk to each other and come together.
“As an ardent supporter of the party, I am not entitled to refuse the president’s choice of party members,” he stated. “Governor Kefas isn’t making an appearance to obstruct anyone; on the contrary, his presence will boost the party’s prospects of winning.”
The APC leader cautioned the governor and other newcomers to not repeat the errors of 2023, when internal party strife and electoral defeats resulted from defectors attempting to gain control of party organizations.
“The APC lost the last election because of that grab mentality,” he stated. Nobody should do that, including Kefas. To secure the APC’s first ever victory in Taraba, they should convene a meeting with both long-time and new members to discuss and reach a compromise.
Concerning his personal future, Kente acknowledged that there had been strong demands for him to run for office again. “I stated a few weeks ago that I would not run against him unless the people’s position became overwhelming,” he stated.
Since then, I’ve received countless calls from all around the state requesting that I run for office. Discussions are continuing, and I might end up running for office.
The importance of the party allowing an open contest was emphasized by him. “The outcome should be determined by the balance of power and the collective decision-making within the party,” he stated.
Changes in power and political maneuvering
The 2027 election in Taraba will undoubtedly reignite the discussion about the distribution of power among the three senatorial zones in the state, regardless of the people involved.
The southern bloc of Taraba is anticipated to finish its two terms, while the center and northern blocs are already pushing for a change.
“Southern Taraba has held power for too long,” Kente said, recognizing the unrest. “As an authentic democratic, I also think the central and northern zones should feel like they belong,” he stated.
Northern APC leaders may demand zoning the ticket away from the south, which observers believe could hamper Governor Kefas’s re-election attempt inside the party.
The party ticket could still go to Kefas if internal democracy fails, thanks to his incumbency advantage and the possibility of presidential support.
Amidst the escalating political situation in Taraba, APC stakeholders persist in debating the pros and cons of Kefas’s expected departure. Some see it as a sign of fresh enthusiasm for a possible first-term governorship victory, while others worry it could drive a wedge between the party and its founding members.
“The fear is real,” quipped an APC demagogue. There might be further division within the APC going into 2027 if justice is not maintained and long-time members feel ousted.
On the other hand, Kente is cautiously optimistic. “The party is left to decide whether the governor comes as an asset or liability,” he said. “If inclusion, justice, and fairness win out, the APC can accommodate everyone.”
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