Taraba 2027: Why I Shuns Governorship Bid Despite Pressure from Supporters- DSK

 

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governorship candidate in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente, on Wednesday turned down a request by his supporters to purchase nomination forms for him to contest the governorship seat in 2027.

Our correspondent reports that representatives of his supporters and political associates under the Chief David Sabo KentePolitical Organisation from across the 16 local government areas of the state gathered in Wukari to endorse him and offered to purchase the nomination form on his behalf.

Kente, however, declined the offer, noting that the essence of the meeting was for the forum to review its past activities and chart a way forward, including assessing the performance of the state government.

Over 300 delegates, including former and current party officials from the 16 local government areas, attended the meeting and expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of Governor Agbu Kefas’ administration.

Many speakers at the forum alleged that long-standing members of the party had been sidelined, while those who joined from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were favoured in appointments and party affairs.

The forum warned that APC members in the state might be compelled to support candidates of their choice if the party leadership fails to carry them along.

Some participants also called for equitable power-sharing, arguing that most appointees in the current administration are loyalists who defected with the governor from the PDP.

In his remarks, Kente appreciated the gesture by his supporters but stressed the need for fairness and political balance in the state.

He noted that the Southern Zone, where he hails from, has held power for 12 years and is expected to complete 16 years before power rotates to other zones.

“It will be insensitive for us to begin seeking another possible eight years,” he said, adding that he is still consulting widely with stakeholders within and outside the state before deciding his next political move.

Kente also called on party members to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging unity and collective effort to consolidate ongoing developmental programmes.

“I am an advocate of togetherness as well as social and political justice. I commend the people of the Central and Northern zones for supporting the Southern zone to govern for eight years under Darius Ishaku and now an additional four years under Dr. AgbuKefas,” he said.

“Since we from the Southern zone have enjoyed such support, it is only fair that we reciprocate by supporting other zones in the spirit of unity.”

He further urged the forum to focus on mobilising residents for the ongoing e-registration exercise, stressing that electoral success is determined by voter turnout.

Meanwhile, Kente noted that calls from various political groups urging him to contest the 2027 governorship election have continued, but maintained that he would make a decision after wider consultations.

He also criticised the current state of governance, describing it as resembling “a sole administrator presiding over a democratic system.”

Chief Kente has been repeatedly urged by different groups across the state to join the 2027 race, but has consistently maintained that he would determine his next line of action after due consultation.

Investigations indicate that some residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the current administration, although the government has not officially responded to the criticisms.