A coalition of All Progressives Congress stakeholders in Taraba State has criticised the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas, describing its performance over the past three years as disappointing and below expectations.
The group, which also urged David Sabo Kente to contest the 2027 governorship election, said expectations were high that the current administration would deliver democratic dividends and accelerate development across the state. However, it alleged that those expectations have largely not been met.
In a statement issued by the coalition alongside the Chief David Sabo Kente Political Organisation and signed by former APC State Secretary Godwin Villannah, copies of which were made available to journalists in Jalingo on Saturday, the stakeholders claimed that Kente played a key role in the emergence of Kefas during the last election cycle.
According to the statement, Kente mobilised support across the 16 local government areas of the state in favour of Kefas, despite the governor’s then membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing dissatisfaction with the APC candidate at the time.
“Rather than dividends of democracy, it has been failed promises without any tangible development to show, despite the resources that have accrued to the state,” the statement read.
The coalition further accused the governor of sidelining longstanding APC members since his defection to the party, alleging that party affairs in the state are being managed in a way that excludes key stakeholders who contributed to building the party.
It also raised concerns over what it described as an imbalance in political appointments, claiming that most positions have been given to individuals who defected with the governor from the PDP to the disadvantage of existing APC members.
On infrastructure, the group criticised the administration’s performance, describing the Ibbi-Nwonyo road project as inadequate while pointing to unfulfilled promises such as the proposed Wukari flyover, township road projects, and an international stadium.
The stakeholders added that road conditions in Jalingo have not improved as earlier promised, despite assurances from the government.
They also questioned the impact of the governor’s foreign trips, alleging that the expected inflow of investments has yet to materialise.
Expressing concern about the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections, the coalition called for a transparent and inclusive primary process that would provide a level playing field for all aspirants.
The group maintained that Kente possesses the experience, wide acceptability, and leadership capacity required to secure victory for the APC and reposition the state for meaningful development.
It urged Kente to heed growing calls from supporters to join the race, describing his candidacy as essential to “rescue” the state from what it termed misgovernance and underdevelopment.
The development, as noted by our reporter, highlights increasing political tension within the APC in Taraba as alignments and contests for the party’s governorship ticket intensify ahead of the 2027 election.