2027 Race: APC Coalition Buys Nomination Forms for Kente, Demands Taraba Leadership Change

By Nahum Sule, Jalingo

A coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Taraba State has purchased nomination forms for David Sabo Kente and urged him to contest the 2027 governorship election, citing widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration.

The group, which includes Kente’s political organisation, made the announcement on Saturday during a press conference in Abuja addressed by former APC State Secretary, Godwin Villannah.

According to the coalition, party leaders and supporters from all 16 local government areas had unanimously endorsed Kente at a meeting in Wukari in April 2026. Although Kente reportedly declined an earlier offer to fund his nomination forms, the coalition described his candidacy as “compelling” and necessary to “rescue” the state.

The stakeholders expressed regret over their support for Governor Agbu Kefas in the last election, claiming their backing was based on expectations of good governance that have not been met. They accused the governor of failing to deliver tangible development, sidelining long-standing APC members, and awarding political appointments largely to those who defected with him from the opposition.

The coalition also criticised the pace and quality of infrastructure projects, particularly road construction, and questioned the impact of the governor’s foreign trips, which they said had yet to attract promised investments.

Despite their grievances, the group called for internal democracy within the APC, demanding a level playing field during the party’s primaries. They expressed confidence in Kente’s leadership experience and electoral appeal, urging him to seize what they described as a pivotal moment for Taraba’s political and economic transformation.