The All Progressives Congress (APC) national leadership must urgently intervene in the Taraba State chapter to enforce transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness in managing party affairs.
Unresolved internal crises, allegations of imposition, and questionable strategic decisions risk undermining the party’s prospects in the 2027 gubernatorial election. Taraba offers a textbook case of how incumbency alone cannot guarantee victory when voter sentiment turns against perceived underperformance.
The Incumbent Factor: Crown vs. Voter Sentiment
Governor Agbu Kefas, who recently defected from the PDP to the APC, enters the race as an incumbent with the advantages of visibility, state resources, and established networks. Incumbency often provides a platform for continuity, but Taraba voters appear keenly aware that performance, not platform, ultimately decides elections.
Critics argue that Kefas’ administration has fallen short of expectations in key areas, despite some reported gains in education, affordability reforms, and infrastructure rhetoric. Persistent concerns around security, infrastructure deficits, and uneven development have fueled narratives of unpopularity.
Even strong incumbents lose when voters feel disconnected — history shows that switching parties rarely erases deep-seated grievances. A governor viewed as underperforming in PDP would likely carry similar liabilities into APC, especially if the defection is perceived as opportunistic rather than ideological.
Fielding an unpopular incumbent risks alienating core party loyalists and handing the seat to opposition forces.
Aggrieved members bypassed in candidate selection often resort to anti-party activities, vote apathy, or outright defection during the general election.
In a competitive state like Taraba, where ethnic, religious, and zonal dynamics shape outcomes, such fractures could prove fatal.
The Case for Dr. Chief David Sabo Kente and Internal Democracy
Figures like Dr. Chief David Sabo Kente (DSK) represent a different path. A long-standing APC chieftain, businessman, and philanthropist with roots in the party since at least 2016 (after earlier SDP involvement), Kente has invested personal resources to build and fund the state structure. His supporters form a dedicated, grassroots base that transcends mere opportunism.
Kente’s recent withdrawal from the governorship race (announced around May 20, 2026) and backing of Kefas, citing party unity and consultations with stakeholders including the national chairman, highlights the tension.
He previously warned that imposing consensus candidates could “tear Taraba APC apart” and expressed dismay over the conduct of primaries, suggesting they lacked fairness.
This development does not erase the underlying grievances. Kente’s decision underscores pressure for stability, but it also spotlights risks: if loyal, funding, and rooted members feel sidelined, residual discontent could simmer into election-day sabotage. Supporters who sacrificed time and resources for his bid may not seamlessly transfer enthusiasm without genuine reconciliation.
Strategic Risks of Imposition and the Path Forward
APC’s national leadership should treat Taraba as a priority. Poor handling here could signal weakness in managing defectors and old guards, eroding trust nationwide. Key dangers include:
– Anti-party activities from bypassed loyalists.
– Voter backlash against perceived imposition, amplifying opposition narratives.
– Zonal and ethnic fractures, as Taraba’s politics remain sensitive to power rotation and representation.
– Broader credibility loss if the party prioritizes short-term incumbency gains over long-term organizational strength.
The only sustainable route is a fair, free, and transparent primary. This allows genuine contenders — including those with proven party loyalty like Kente — to test popularity through delegates or direct mechanisms. It builds ownership, minimizes grudges, and strengthens the eventual candidate. Imposition may deliver a ticket but rarely delivers victory when enthusiasm is low.
Peter Obi’s movement demonstrated how passionate supporter bases can defy conventional calculations.
In Taraba, similar dynamics around credible alternatives could mobilize voters beyond party lines. APC must avoid repeating mistakes of prioritizing “winnability” on paper while ignoring ground realities.
Recommendations for National APC Leadership
1. Oversight Mechanism: Deploy a high-level reconciliation committee to audit recent primaries and address complaints transparently.
2. Inclusiveness: Ensure old and new APC members (pre- and post-defection) share power equitably, with clear guidelines against external interference.
3. Performance Audit: Honestly evaluate the governor’s record and communicate deliverables to rebuild public confidence.
4. Unity First: Encourage genuine consultations that value contributions from figures like Kente, rather than pressuring withdrawals.
Taraba’s APC stands at a crossroads. Incumbency provides a head start, but voter sovereignty remains supreme.
Prioritizing transparency and fairness will not only safeguard 2027 prospects but strengthen the party’s democratic credentials. Ignoring these warnings could turn a potential stronghold into a cautionary tale of strategic miscalculation.
The national leadership’s response now will define whether APC consolidates gains or squanders them in pursuit of expediency over equity.
By Pamela O.
Political Analyst and Political Columnist.
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