APC Leader In Taraba Refutes Claims Linking Him To Gov Kefas’ Alleged Defection

Chief David Sani Kente, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, has vehemently refuted frequent allegations that he is responsible for attempts to recruit Governor Agbu Kefas of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC.

In a phone conversation with reporters in Jalingo on Monday, Kente, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) 2015 candidate for governor of Taraba state, called the allegations baseless and detrimental to his political standing.

He affirmed that no such talks have taken place and underlined that he has not been contacted by Governor Kefas about any preparations for defection.

“As I speak to you, the governor has not expressed his desire to join the APC.

Kente claimed that during the previous two years, almost every member of the APC had shunned him and turned down offers from the federal government that were intended for him.

Some APC members have accused Kente of secretly negotiating the governor’s defection, which has negatively impacted his political status inside the party, Kente lamented.

He went on to say, “They have further harmed my political programs by claiming that I orchestrated the governor’s plans to join the APC.”

Being from the same local government council as Governor Kefas, the APC stalwart voiced dismay that he and other influential Southern Taraba politicians had not been contacted about any potential relocation.

In the same way that you perceive it as a rumor, so do his close APC colleagues.

Kente stated, “As of right now, the governor has not contacted any of us,” referring to an exchange with Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, who likewise denied receiving any information.

Out of respect, Kente had previously declared that he would not run against Kefas, but he made a suggestion that the changing political climate might make him change his mind.

“Dynamics are changing, and decisions change when dynamics change,” he said.

Kente reflected on his previous political endeavors, recalling how he and Senator Ikenya collaborated to form the APC in Southern Taraba in 2016.

He asserts that mutual respect and consultation are essential to Jukun traditional traditions, particularly when it comes to delicate political decisions like defection.

According to our culture, our brother ought to have informed us if he intended to join our party. All we know at the moment, however, are rumors,” he stated.

Kente vehemently urged the members of the APC to reject the rumors and cease holding him responsible for something he maintains he has no knowledge of.

He made it clear that if the governor is thinking about visiting the APC, it is not with our knowledge or consent.