Produce Consensus Candidates Within 5 Days, Governor Kefas Tells APC Stakeholders

Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has directed leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to return to their respective zones and produce consensus candidates for all elective positions ahead of the party primaries.

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Governor Kefas gave the directive during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo.

The meeting was attended by party leaders to deliberate on preparations for the next phase of the party’s internal electoral process.

Some of those who attended the meeting included members of the State Working Committee (SWC), Minister of state for Regional Development, Uba Maigari, former governor of the state, Garba Umar UTC, Federal and State lawmakers, the 16 local government council chairmen, members of the state executive council, and other APC stakeholders considered loyal to the governor.

The governor charged the stakeholders to consult widely and submit one consensus aspirant for each position within the next five days in order to sustain unity within the party.

“At this point, I want to make a very important appeal and also give direction. All leaders here should return to their respective zones, consult widely, engage your people, and within the next five days, come back with one consensus aspirant per position,” he said.

Governor Kefas stressed that, the APC must avoid internal conflicts capable of weakening the party, insisting that unity and collective interest should take precedence over personal ambitions.

“We do not need to fight to win. We need to work together to win,” the governor stated, adding that both longstanding party members and new entrants must be accommodated for the party to remain strong.

He commended members for what he described as maturity, patience, and discipline displayed during the ward, local government, and state congresses as well as the national convention, noting that the conduct of party members had earned the commendation of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the APC national leadership.

According to him, issues arising from the congresses were already receiving attention to ensure justice and fairness within the party.

“Despite the challenges, we still remain united.

That alone shows that Taraba APC is not just a political platform; it is a family,” he said.

He cautioned politicians against treating politics as a “do-or-die affair,” emphasizing that, leadership is determined by divine will and should be approached with humility and responsibility.

The governor, who gave references from the Bible and the Quran, said power ultimately belongs to God, and urged party members to protect the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

He also warned against individuals attempting to sow seeds of division within the APC, saying the party must learn from crises affecting opposition parties and remain focused on preserving internal harmony.

“What we have here is precious and we must preserve it,” he added.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, assured party aspirants of a transparent and fair process in the selection of candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Alhaki Bawa said, the party leadership remained committed to upholding the provisions of the APC constitution and guidelines in the conduct of primaries.

He explained that, the party would first explore consensus arrangements in the emergence of candidates, but noted that direct primaries would be adopted where consensus failed.

“The constitution of the party and the guidelines have stipulated that there shall be a consensus candidate for each election, and if that fails, aspirants will go for direct primaries,” he said.

Alhaji Bawa stressed that, the APC would provide a level playing field for all aspirants seeking elective positions, including governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats.

He dismissed speculations that Governor Kefas had purchased nomination forms for any individual or group, insisting that all aspirants were expected to obtain their forms through the appropriate party channels.

“His Excellency has not purchased forms for any individual or group as being speculated. We urge everyone with the ambition of contesting elections to obtain their forms through the appropriate secretariats,” he stated.

According to him, governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives nomination forms are available at the APC National Secretariat, while forms for State House of Assembly aspirants can be obtained at the state secretariat.

The APC chairman commended party members and stakeholders for their contributions to the growth and stability of the party in Taraba State and expressed satisfaction with the turnout at the meeting.

He also appreciated Governor Kefas for his “unwavering support and commitment” to the APC in the state.