Kona Leaders Reject Claims of Mass Defection to APC

 

Some prominent sons of Kona Chiefdom in Taraba State have rejected claims that the Kona people have collectively defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the narrative as misleading and politically motivated.

 

Speaking against the backdrop of ongoing political defections across parties, the group warned that no individual or faction should lay claim to political dominance over any tribe or nationality.

 

Those who spoke out include Mr. Inusa J. Numtai, Samuel Nokani, popularly known as Eto One, Nobri Martins, John Bawa, Kibri Avyon Nberi and other stakeholders from Kona land.

 

In separate interviews with our correspondent, they expressed displeasure over what they described as an unjust and unilateral claim that all Kona people, also known as Jibb, had moved to the APC without broad consultation.

 

They maintained that the assertion was a "political gimmick" aimed at gaining relevance with the government of the day, stressing that many Kona people remain members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while others belong to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

 

"The fact remains that Kona people are still spread across different political parties. No one should be deceived into believing that all Kona people have defected to the APC," one of the stakeholders said.

 

The group called on all sons and daughters of Kona Chiefdom to disregard what they described as rumours and propaganda capable of causing division within the community.

 

They also urged Kona youths to remain law-abiding and vigilant, warning against being used by what they termed "selfish and desperate politicians" pursuing personal interests.

 

According to them, unity and peaceful political engagement remain critical to the development of Kona Chiefdom and Taraba State at large.