DSK, Mamman Insist On Direct Primaries, Reject Consensus Push in Taraba APC

There are growing cracks within the Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the controversial adoption of Governor Agbu Kefas as a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The decision, announced by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Aaron Artimas, after a stakeholders’ meeting in Jalingo on May 3, has triggered sharp resistance from key aspirants who describe the process as flawed, exclusionary and lacking legitimacy.

Artimas had claimed that the meeting, attended by top party figures including lawmakers and former deputy governors, resolved to adopt a consensus option for the governorship while allowing either consensus or direct primaries for other positions.

But facts emerging from within the party indicate that the so-called stakeholders’ meeting was boycotted by major contenders, raising questions about the credibility of the outcome.

Among those absent were Chief David Kente and former ministers Sale Mamman and Muazu Jaji—figures widely regarded as central to the contest.

Kente, through his media consultant Ben Adaji, dismissed the exercise outright, insisting that the meeting was not convened by the legitimate party leadership but allegedly influenced by the state government.

He argued that no individual or interest group has the authority to impose a candidate on the party, warning that such actions could undermine internal democracy and weaken the APC’s chances.

Kente maintained that he remains in the race and demanded a level playing field, stressing that only a transparent primary election can produce a credible candidate.

In a more pointed intervention, former Minister of Power, Sale Mamman, aligned himself with the position that direct primaries must be upheld, describing it as the only acceptable democratic path.

Mamman, who also stayed away from the meeting, declared support for the position of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC national leadership on internal party democracy.

He expressed doubt over the sustainability of the consensus arrangement, warning that attempts to sideline aspirants could backfire.

The former minister, who traced his roots in the party to the days of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), insisted that inclusivity, fairness and transparency must guide the process.

He, however, subtly signalled confidence in his own standing within the party, noting that his contributions and loyalty place him in a strong position if a genuine consensus becomes necessary.