By Ben Adaji Jalingo
Concerns are mounting among political stakeholders and analysts in Taraba State over the future of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with many warning that the party may lose political ground if issues surrounding governance and internal cohesion are not urgently addressed
The concerns follow growing public debate over the performance of Governor Agbu Kefas’ administration since assuming office, particularly in critical sectors such as infrastructure, economic development, youth empowerment and rural development.
For the first time in the history of the State, the incumbent governor has to contend with several other aspirants for the ticket in his own political party. Three other aspirants: the embattled former Minister of Power Alhaji Salleh Maman, Chief David Sabo Kente and Alhaji Jaaji Sambo all purchased the forms to contest for the gubernatorial ticket against the governor.
Political observers say many residents had high expectations at the beginning of the administration, but critics argue that the pace of development has fallen short of public anticipation in several parts of the state.
Even more worrisome, the Christian Community in the State that played a key role in his election in 2023 seems disenchanted and is no longer holding out openly for him, despite moving from one Church to another lately to try and woo the members. The Muslim community has also complained bitterly about his discriminatory style of leadership and may likely not throw its weight behind him..
Recently, Hon. Dinshiya Usman, a favourite nephew of Gen. Theophilus Danjuma obtained the governorship form of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) to also vie for the ticket of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. For several months, there have been speculations that the elder statesman Danjuma, who literally imposed Governor Agbu Kefas on the people in 2023 has fallen out with him.
For many people, this was not only far-fetched but out rightly preposterous. However, with his nephew now in the race against Kefas, there is no iota of doubt in anyone’s mind that the speculations are true and governor Kefas no longer has the blessing of his political godfather.
For someone who has performed abysmally in his first tenure, knowing well that he will be coming back to seek reelection, the people know only too well that trusting him with a second tenure is a recipe for a disastrous Four years.
With the people of the State disenchanted with him, his godfather ditching him and the people of his hometown of Wukari rallying massive pressure on one of them Chief David Sabo Kente to join the race and replace governor Kefas, it is now clear that trusting him with the ticket of the APC will inadvertently cost the APC heavily in 2027.
Knowing how very unpopular he has become, the governor is very jittery about even going in for direct primaries as he will evidently may be terribly disgraced. One of the frontline aspirants Chief David Sabo Kente told journalists that in a free and fair primaries, he will beat the incumbent governor Agbu Kefas and clinch a landslide victory, a position many have no doubt about.
Within the APC, some party faithful have expressed fears that unresolved internal divisions and lack of cohesion could weaken the party’s chances if urgent steps are not taken to unite stakeholders across the state.
They have therefore called on the national leadership of the APC to ensure transparency, inclusiveness and fairness in handling party affairs in Taraba, warning that unresolved crises and poor strategic decisions could affect the party’s electoral prospects.
The national leadership of the APC has both the proverbial yam and knife. The choice they make will most certainly decide the fate of the party in 2027. The people of the State however have⁰ the votes and it is now clear that they know where they want their votes to go.