Three aspirants to challenge Kefas for Taraba APC governorship ticket
Political tension is mounting in the Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as three prominent figures have picked nomination forms for the 2027 governorship race, setting up
Political tension is mounting in the Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as three prominent figures have picked nomination forms for the 2027 governorship race, setting up a direct primary contest against Governor Agbu Kefas.
Those who have secured forms include former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman; businessman David Sabo Kente; and former Minister of Works, Alhaji Sambo Jaji.
Unlike some states where governors have been endorsed as sole candidates, APC in Taraba has ruled out zoning, consensus or “hand-picking” of aspirants, insisting that the governorship ticket will be decided through direct primary.
Taraba APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, said all screened aspirants would be allowed to participate in the exercise.
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“All aspirants who are screened and cleared by the party are fit to participate in the direct primary elections,” he said.
He added that the mass collection of forms had dispelled speculation of automatic tickets for sitting office holders.
The aspirants have also backed the direct primary system. Mamman said it would produce a stronger candidate capable of defeating the opposition, while Kente, who received his nomination form in Abuja after sustained consultations, described the process as the best way to strengthen internal democracy and improve the party’s chances in the general election.
A political group, Concerned Taraba APC Stakeholders, had earlier purchased the nomination form for Kente after a series of meetings in Wukari, where stakeholders reportedly urged him to run for office. Kente initially resisted but later accepted after pressure from party leaders.
The group’s leader, former APC State Secretary Godwin Villannah, said the move was aimed at deepening internal democracy and encouraging wider participation.
Kente said he was humbled by the support and promised an inclusive campaign focused on development and citizens’ needs.
Meanwhile, party insiders say APC in Taraba has already lost several high-profile politicians to opposition parties ahead of 2027, including former governor Jolly Nyame, Emmanuel Bwacha, Jerome Nyame, Senator Abubakar Tutare, Alhaji Ardo Jika and Senator Danlami Ikenya.
