Taraba 2027: Kefas, Mamman, Kente, Jaji jostle for APC ticket as party opts for direct primaries
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State will face a direct primary contest for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election, in contrast to several incumbents
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State will face a direct primary contest for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election, in contrast to several incumbents in other states who have secured endorsements as sole candidates.
Political tension is building within the Taraba APC following the emergence of three other prominent aspirants alongside the governor. Those who have obtained nomination forms include former Minister of Power, Engr. Saleh Mamman; businessman David Sabo Kente; and former Minister of Works, Alhaji Sambo Jaji.
The surge in interest has triggered internal realignments, with party stakeholders warning that any flawed primary process could prompt defections to opposition parties.
The APC State Working Committee has ruled out zoning, consensus arrangements, or the imposition of candidates, insisting that the governorship ticket will be determined through direct primaries to reflect the will of grassroots members.
State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, dismissed speculations that any aspirant would receive an automatic ticket.
“All aspirants who are screened and cleared by the party are eligible to participate in the direct primary elections,” Bawa said on Sunday.
He noted that the widespread purchase of nomination forms has effectively dispelled claims that the party’s national secretariat had granted automatic return tickets to sitting governors and lawmakers.
The aspirants have also expressed support for the direct primary model. Mamman said the process would produce a formidable candidate capable of defeating the opposition in the 2027 governorship election.
Kente, who received his nomination form from supporters in Abuja on Saturday, described direct primaries as the most credible method for selecting candidates who can strengthen the party’s appeal in the general election.
However, party insiders disclosed that the APC in Taraba has already suffered notable defections ahead of the polls. Among those who have exited the party are former governor Jolly Nyame, Emmanuel Bwacha, Jerome Nyame, Senator Abubakar Tutare, Alhaji Ardo Jika, and Senator Danlami Ikenya.
