By Ben Adaji, Abuja
A coalition of stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State has purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for Chief David Sabo Kente, intensifying pressure on him to enter the 2027 governorship race.
The move comes despite Kente’s repeated refusal to contest the election, including earlier offers by support groups to procure the forms on his behalf.
Addressing journalists on Saturday, the coalition leader, Hon. Godwin Villannah, said the decision was driven by what he described as the urgent need to reposition both the party and the state.
Villannah explained that APC stalwarts and members of the DSK Political Organisation from the 16 local government areas had, during a meeting in Wukari on April 14 and 15, unanimously endorsed Kente as their preferred governorship aspirant. He said the coalition subsequently resolved to pool resources to secure the nomination forms, insisting that the call for Kente to run had become “compelling and necessary.”
According to him, the coalition believes Kente possesses the political strength, experience, and broad acceptability required to lead the party to victory and steer the state out of what it termed “misgovernance and underdevelopment.”
The group took a swipe at the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas, accusing it of failing to deliver meaningful development despite significant resources accrued to the state over the past three years.
It also alleged that since defecting to the APC, the governor has sidelined longstanding party stakeholders and concentrated power among loyalists who moved with him from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Villannah further criticised the pace of infrastructure development in the state, citing what he described as limited project delivery and unfulfilled promises, including major projects such as the proposed Wukari flyover and improvements to township roads.
The coalition also questioned the impact of the governor’s foreign trips, claiming that anticipated investments have yet to materialise.
While acknowledging that Kente had previously supported Kefas during the last election cycle due to dissatisfaction with the APC’s candidate at the time, the group said current political realities now require a different approach ahead of 2027.
They urged the party leadership to ensure a transparent and competitive primary process, stressing that a level playing field would allow members to make informed choices.
Reaffirming their position, the coalition appealed to Kente to heed what they described as a widespread call from the people and accept to run for governor, expressing optimism that he could lead a “rescue mission” for the state.
