Despite Kefas’ Defection, Bwacha Insists on Contesting For APC Governorship Ticket

It may not yet be smooth sailing for Governor Agbu Kefas in the All Progressives Congress (APC), as political intelligence available to Taraba Truths and Facts suggests that the governor could face stiff internal competition in his quest to secure the party's governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

This development is unfolding despite the public declaration by Vice President Kashim Shettima that serving governors automatically assume leadership of the APC in their respective states.

Investigations indicate sustained behind-the-scenes political manoeuvring by Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, who is reportedly positioning himself for what his associates describe as the "battle of his political life" in a determined bid to clinch the APC governorship ticket in 2027.

Significantly, Senator Bwacha and key members of his political circle, including Hon. Ahmed Yusuf, were conspicuously absent from the rally where Governor Kefas formally defected to the APC. Sources said Bwacha has since informed close allies of his intention to contest for the APC governorship ticket, Taraba Truths and Facts gathered.

Sources close to the APC's 2023 governorship candidate disclosed that mobilisation has already commenced, with the project reportedly attracting support from some party stakeholders and prominent members across the state. The sources further revealed that campaign vehicles have been procured and branded, with plans to deploy them in Taraba in the coming weeks.

Further strengthening this narrative is the fact that on the same day Governor Kefas joined the APC, Senator Bwacha reportedly took delivery of several luxury buses earmarked for distribution across the state. The move is widely interpreted by political watchers as a calculated effort to reinforce and energise the Bwacha Campaign Organisation ahead of the anticipated party primaries.

Political observers say the unfolding developments point to a potentially bruising internal contest within the APC in Taraba State, notwithstanding public assurances of unity following the governor's defection.

Senator Bwacha, a seasoned grassroots politician and three-term Senator who represented Taraba South Senatorial District, is also reported to have turned down an offer to return to the National Assembly. According to sources, he told close associates that he has "seen it all" in the political labyrinth and that the governorship remains his sole remaining ambition in Taraba politics.

Bwacha has previously served as a member of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Commissioner for Agriculture, a member of the House of Representatives, and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.