By Uhuru Samuel, Jalingo
A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente, has turned down an endorsement by his supporters as well as their offer to bankroll his 2027 governorship ambition.
The development signals a cautious political approach by the APC chieftain amid growing permutations ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The decision was announced on Wednesday in Wukari, where over 300 delegates—comprising political associates, grassroots mobilisers and party stakeholders from the state’s 16 local government areas—gathered to endorse Kente and pledge to purchase his nomination form.
But in a move that surprised many at the meeting, Kente declined the gesture, insisting that the gathering was not intended to launch a governorship bid but to reflect on the group’s political journey and assess the current state of governance in Taraba.
According to him, consultations with critical stakeholders within and outside the state are still ongoing and would guide his eventual decision.
The meeting, however, exposed deep cracks within the APC in the state, as speaker after speaker voiced frustration over what they described as the marginalisation of long-standing party members under the administration of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas.
Participants alleged that loyal APC members who contributed to building the party structure over the years have been sidelined, while recent entrants—particularly those who defected alongside the governor—have taken over key positions in government.
The forum warned that continued exclusion could trigger protest votes or even open support for alternative political platforms if the grievances remain unresolved.
There were also strong calls for balanced power-sharing and inclusivity in political appointments to stabilise the party ahead of future elections.
Kente, while acknowledging the concerns, urged restraint and unity, framing his position around fairness and the need to sustain the state’s fragile political balance.
He argued that the Southern zone, which currently holds power, should be allowed to complete a 16-year tenure before any rotation is considered.
The zone has already held power for 12 years—eight under former Governor Darius Ishaku and four under the incumbent.
“It will be insensitive for us to begin to seek another possible eight years,” he said, stressing the importance of honouring existing political understandings among the state’s zones.
He commended the Central and Northern zones for their support over the years and called for reciprocity in the interest of unity and stability.
Kente also used the opportunity to rally support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and participate actively in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
“Elections are about numbers, and the strength of participation will ultimately determine leadership,” he stated.
Despite repeated calls from various political groups urging him to contest the 2027 governorship election, Kente maintained that he remains undecided, pending the outcome of ongoing consultations.
While reaffirming his role in the emergence of the current administration, he did not hold back in his assessment of governance in the state, describing the situation as one that appears “like a sole administrator presiding over a democratic system.”
With political undercurrents already gathering momentum, analysts believe Kente’s next move could significantly shape the dynamics of the 2027 race in Taraba State.
