Former Minister of Power, Mamman Saleh
A leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State and former Minister of Power, Engr. Saleh Mamman, has explained why he declined to attend a meeting convened by Governor Agbu Kefas at the Government House in Jalingo.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Mamman said his decision was based on concerns over neutrality, noting that the governor is also an aspirant in the same governorship race.
According to him, it was inappropriate for Governor Kefas to preside over a meeting involving fellow aspirants while also contesting for the same position.
He further faulted the choice of venue, describing the Government House as unsuitable for such a gathering.
The meeting, held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, was called by the governor and brought together aspirants contesting for various elective positions, including the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and governorship seats. The aim, according to organisers, was to deliberate on the possibility of adopting consensus candidates for the party in the state.
However, Mamman maintained that his absence was deliberate to avoid any situation where decisions could be influenced against him.
He said, “Since I am also in the race for the Taraba State governorship election alongside the governor, I decided to abstain from the meeting so as not to allow him preside and influence unnecessary decisions against me.”
The former minister also emphasized his longstanding role in the formation and growth of the APC in Taraba State, insisting that he deserves recognition and respect within the party.
“I am the oldest APC member here in Taraba State. I brought the party as the chairman of the Congress for Progressive Party (CPC); we later metamorphosed into APC. I am qualified to contest for governor by age, by experience in the party, and by hierarchy, especially if there should be a consensus candidate among all of us vying for the governorship,” Mamman stated.
