The Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has directed leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to return to their respective zones and produce consensus candidates for all elective positions ahead of the party primaries.
The Governor, during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo, directed the stakeholders to consult widely and submit one consensus aspirant for each position within the next five days.
He stressed during the meeting which delibrated on preparations for the 2027 elections that the move is aimed at strenghning party unity.
“At this point, I want to make a very important appeal and also give direction. All leaders here should return to their respective zones, consult widely, engage your people, and within the next five days, come back with one consensus aspirant per position,” he said.
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that some of those who attended the meeting included members of the State Working Committee (SWC), Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari, former governor of the state, Garba Umar, Federal and State lawmakers, the 16 local government council chairmen, members of the state executive council, and other APC stakeholders considered loyal to the governor.
Governor Kefas stressed that the APC must avoid internal conflicts capable of weakening the party, insisting that unity and collective interest should take precedence over personal ambitions.
He added that both longstanding party members and new entrants must be accommodated for the party to remain strong.
“We do not need to fight to win. We need to work together to win,” the governor stated.
Describing the Taraba APC as a family, Kefas disclosed that issues which arose from the party’s ward, local government, and state congresses as well as the national convention, were already receiving attention to ensure justice and fairness within the party.
He again, stressed the need for unity going into the 2027 elections.
“Despite the challenges, we still remain united.
“That alone shows that Taraba APC is not just a political platform; it is a family,” he said.
He cautioned politicians against treating politics as a “do-or-die affair,” emphasizing that, leadership is determined by divine will and should be approached with humility and responsibility.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the APC in Taraba State, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, assured party aspirants of a transparent and fair process in the selection of candidates for the 2027 general elections.
He explainsd that based on party guidelines, there will be a consensus candidate for each position, but if that fails, aspirants will go for direct primaries.
“The constitution of the party and the guidelines have stipulated that there shall be a consensus candidate for each election, and if that fails, aspirants will go for direct primaries,” he said.
Alhaji Bawa assured all aspirants of a level playing ground, dismissing speculations that Governor Kefas had purchased nomination forms for any individual or group.
