The race for the 2027 governorship election in Taraba State under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is accelerating, with an increasing number of aspirants entering the contest for the state's highest political office.
At least four prominent figures have so far obtained their nomination and expression of interest forms. They include David Sabo Kente, incumbent Governor Agbu Kefas, former Minister of Power Sale Mamman, and former Minister Mu'azu Jaji Sambo.
Meanwhile, a coalition of APC stakeholders in the state, along with the political organization of Chief David Sabo Kente, has publicly urged him to formally declare his candidacy, citing widespread support across the state.
In a statement released on Saturday and signed by APC State Secretary Godwin Villannah, the group said political developments in the state have necessitated a call for Kente to contest the governorship seat.
According to the statement, APC stalwarts and members of the Kente political organization from all 16 local government areas met in Wukari on April 14 and 15, 2026, where they unanimously endorsed him for the 2027 election.
The group disclosed that participants at the meeting resolved to raise funds to purchase nomination forms for Kente, although he reportedly declined the offer. Despite this, the coalition maintained that it was “compelling and necessary” for him to heed the calls of supporters and enter the race.
The stakeholders also reflected on the role Kente allegedly played during the last election cycle, noting that he encouraged his supporters to back Governor Kefas despite the latter's previous affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They said expectations that the governor would deliver democratic dividends have not been met.
The statement criticized the current administration, alleging poor performance, lack of tangible development, and marginalization of long-standing APC members since Kefas defected to the party. It also raised concerns over what it described as unequal distribution of appointments and exclusion of party stakeholders.
The coalition further pointed to unmet infrastructure promises, including the proposed Wukari flyover, township road projects, and an international stadium, while describing recently commissioned projects as inadequate.
It also questioned the impact of the governor's foreign trips, claiming that anticipated investments have yet to materialize.
Expressing concern about the APC's preparedness for the 2027 election, the group stressed the need for a transparent primary process that would provide a level playing field for all aspirants.
They concluded by reiterating their call on Kente to join the race, describing him as a candidate with the capacity, experience, and broad acceptance needed to secure victory for the party and drive development in the state.
The development, as observed by our state correspondent, signals an intensifying contest within the APC in Taraba, as political alignments and campaigns begin to take shape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
