Kente: Kefas’ Defection to APC Will Boost Party’s 2027 Chances in Taraba

By Ben Adaji, Jalingo

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governorship aspirant, Chief David Sabo Kente, has described Governor Agbu Kefas’ defection to the APC as a major boost to the party’s chances of winning the 2027 governorship election in Taraba State.
Speaking to journalists in Jalingo on Monday, Kente said Kefas’ move was a welcome development that would strengthen the APC ahead of future elections, despite ongoing concerns among long-time party members.
“Governor Kefas’ coming will enhance the chances of the APC in 2027,” Kente said. “He’s not coming to block anyone, but to add value and consolidate the party’s strength in Taraba.”
He explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally reached out to Kefas, encouraging his defection — a move that, according to Kente, should not be viewed with suspicion by existing members.
“As loyal party members, we have no reason to reject whoever the President invites into the APC,” Kente added. “The fear that new entrants will take over everything in the party is not tenable. We’ve seen similar situations in the past.”
Kente denied claims that he engineered Kefas’ defection for personal gain or to block his own political ambitions. He clarified that while he had been under pressure to contest again in 2027, his focus remained on party unity and loyalty to the President’s directive.
“I couldn’t have brought in the governor to block my chances,” he said. “I actually played a key role in his emergence as governor in 2023, even though I’ve paid the price by being excluded from government.”
He said his support for President Tinubu’s administration stemmed from ongoing reforms aimed at improving governance and the economy, emphasizing that Taraba stands to benefit by aligning with the ruling party.
“My call for Tarabans to support President Tinubu is based on the development opportunities that come with being part of the government at the centre,” he said.
On Kefas’ defection, Kente maintained that the APC was broad enough to accommodate everyone willing to contribute to its success.
“The party is large enough for all. What matters is our collective commitment to deliver victory in 2027,” he said.