Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas displaying his APC governorship nomination form
Political activities within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State have intensified, following the emergence of four prominent aspirants who have obtained nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Those in the race include the incumbent governor, Agbu Kefas; former Minister of Power, Engr. Saleh Mamman; billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Chief David Sabo Kente (DSK); and former Minister of Works, Alhaji Sambo Jaji.
Their entry into the contest has triggered fresh alignments within the party, with growing concerns among stakeholders over possible defections if the primary process is not handled transparently.
The development comes against the backdrop of a firm stance by the Taraba APC State Working Committee (SWC), which has ruled out any form of imposition, zoning arrangement, or consensus candidacy. The party leadership insists that the governorship ticket will be decided through direct primaries, allowing registered party members across the state to determine the candidate.
Speaking in Jalingo, the state APC chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, dismissed speculation that any aspirant would be granted an automatic ticket.
“There is no preferred candidate,” Bawa said. “All aspirants who pass the screening process will participate in a direct primary election. The decision will rest with party members at the grassroots.”
The rush for nomination forms has also put to rest rumours that the APC national leadership had endorsed automatic tickets for incumbent governors and lawmakers seeking re-election ahead of 2027.
Engr. Saleh Mamman, in a recent chat with our correspondent, expressed confidence in the direct primary system, noting that it would produce a candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge against opposition parties.
Similarly, Chief David Sabo Kente, while receiving his nomination form from supporters in Abuja, described direct primaries as the most credible method for strengthening the party’s chances.
“This process gives every member a sense of belonging and ensures that the most acceptable candidate emerges,” he said.
Despite the optimism, concerns remain over internal cohesion, as the party has reportedly begun to witness the exit of several influential figures. Among those said to have left the APC in recent times are former governor Jolly Nyame, Emmanuel Bwacha, Jerome Nyame, Senator Abubakar Tutare, Alhaji Ardo Jika, and Senator Danlami Ikenya.
Observers warned that how the party manages its primary election could determine its unity and electoral strength heading into the 2027 general elections.
