By Pamela O., on Taraba Political Affairs.
The political temperature in Taraba State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) has risen sharply following the formal entry of Chief David Sabo Kente (DSK) into the 2027 governorship race. What was already a brewing contest marked by factionalism has now become a full-blown battle of ideas, ambitions, and visions for the state’s future.
DSK’s decision to obtain the APC governorship nomination form — driven by sustained pressure from stakeholders, Southern Taraba elders, and grassroots groups across the 16 local government areas — has intensified both the competition and the existing divides within the party.
His emergence adds a heavyweight contender alongside Governor Agbu Kefas and others like former Power Minister Saleh Mamman, transforming what some hoped would be a smooth consensus process into a genuine test of popularity and legitimacy.
Primaries as the True Test
This is precisely why party primaries exist. They are not mere formalities or coronation ceremonies; they serve as the democratic crucible to test which candidate possesses the broadest acceptance, the strongest electability, and the highest alignment with the people’s political values.
Direct primaries, in particular, empower ordinary party members to have their say rather than leaving decisions in the hands of a few powerful figures in smoke-filled rooms.
The push by Governor Kefas and his allies for consensus candidates has met stiff resistance from DSK, Mamman, and other voices who insist on open, transparent primaries.
This divide is healthy for democracy, even if it creates short-term discomfort. It forces aspirants to engage directly with the grassroots instead of relying solely on incumbency or strategic positioning.
Kefas’ Record Under Scrutiny
Taraba’s people are hungry for tangible progress after years of challenges. Many residents and party faithful openly question Governor Kefas’s performance, pointing to allegations of mismanaged borrowed funds, uneven development, and unfulfilled promises that have left key sectors lagging.
While every administration has its defenders, the volume of criticism suggests a growing desire for fresh leadership that can deliver visible results in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
In contrast, Chief DSK brings a compelling profile that resonates with many. A successful businessman with interests in oil and gas, agro-allied ventures, and the DSK Group, he has built a reputation as a philanthropist through the DSK Foundation. His track record includes scholarships, rural development projects, health interventions, skills acquisition programs, and consistent party loyalty since joining the APC.
Supporters see him as a bridge-builder with wide acceptability across zones, someone whose private-sector experience and humanitarian footprint position him to tackle Taraba’s developmental deficits more effectively.
DSK’s entry is changing the conversation. It is no longer about anointing a successor or protecting entrenched interests; it is about who can genuinely unify the party and deliver the dividends of democracy that Tarabans desperately need.
His widespread consultations, endorsements from elders, and grassroots mobilization signal broad acceptance that cannot easily be dismissed.
The Road Ahead
The coming weeks and months will be decisive. If the APC leadership heeds calls for direct primaries, the process will reveal the candidate with the highest political capital and public trust. Imposing a consensus risks deepening rifts, alienating key blocs, and weakening the party ahead of 2027.
Chief David Sabo Kente has thrown down the gauntlet. His formal entry has not only intensified the contest but also raised the stakes for quality leadership.
Taraba is watching closely — and it is asking for a leader with proven capacity, integrity, and a clear vision to move the state forward. On current indications, DSK is ticking many of those critical boxes.
The primaries will ultimately decide, as they should. May the best man for Taraba emerge.
