Guber Race: Opposition Candidates Begin Alliance Talks Against Gov Kefas

Governorship candidates of various opposition political parties in Taraba State are holding talks on the possibility of forming a coalition to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Governor Agbu Kefas, in the next election.

Taraba Truth and Facts gathered that a prominent governorship candidate who contested the 2023 election is leading the move for a common front against the APC candidate.

Sources familiar with the arrangement said discussions were still at an early stage but were gaining support and buy-in from some political heavyweights in the state.

A source said a high-level four-man committee of respected political leaders from the state had been set up to meet with major opposition governorship candidates to explore the possibility of an alliance.

The proposed coalition is expected to bring together the political influence, structures and financial resources of opposition parties and their candidates.

The source also claimed that the candidate leading the alliance talks was receiving support from some aggrieved APC stakeholders in the state.

“I can tell you that if the alliance works out, some federal forces will back it. The federal forces are prepared to support a united opposition force,” the source said.

He added that the success of the proposed alliance would depend largely on the willingness of the governorship candidates to put aside personal ambitions and political interests.

“If the interest is truly to salvage Taraba State, we believe the candidates should be able to drop their political egos and make sacrifices for the state,” he said.

The political leaders are also expected to hold consultations with elder statesman, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd), and former Taraba State Governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame.

One of the political leaders said to be involved in the arrangement declined to comment when contacted.

However, a governorship candidate who spoke with Taraba Truth and Facts on Thursday night confirmed that he had been approached for a possible alliance.

“Yes, a governorship candidate reached out to me for a possible alliance, but we are yet to discuss the details. Politics and alliances are part of the game.

“Our goal is to bring better governance to Taraba State. If the goal of the alliance is not selfish or self-serving, we will support it,” the candidate said.

The development comes as political activities intensify in Taraba ahead of the next governorship election, with Governor Kefas expected to face what could become a more united opposition challenge.