Those who underestimate Taraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas political sagacity, are on their own. And they do so at their perils. Although a soldier by training, Dr Kefas has a deep understanding of intrigues and conflicts: two basic ingredients of modern politics. He is trained to decipher even the most obscure signs in the human family.
This deep skill coupled with his love for people and his vast experience in the intelligence community has transformed him today into a giant in the political field.
But he is not just an armchair scholar of politics. He was also a one-time PDP Chairman in the state: a veritable prepatory ground for dealing with power brokers. Moreover, he was a party chair at the crucial period of transition. The moment was filled with political maneuvering and serious negotiations. Dr Kefas, as party chair, had to deal with all sorts of complex issues: aggrieved members, turncoats, returnees to party, the old order, and the new breed. He was also saddled, that year, with the responsibility of ensuring his party retained the state in the face of robust opposition and the scepter of the Federal Might. He handled all with distinctions.
It is noteworthy that in all of these, he applied the skills of a salesman, a deft business deal maker, a magician sometimes, and an honest bargainer in the affairs of people. Politics is a tough terrain, and Dr Kefas is no stranger to tough and rough things.
His sojourn in many war theaters across the world has prepared him for the challenges of this kind of stuff. But it is in the practical arena of solving problems that he has excelled. In the Niger Delta, for instance, it was this wisdom that was at work as he successfully worked with partners to bring about peace between militants and government. He still gets lots of credits for the work he did in the Amnesty Program.
Today, he is dealing with the political crisis of Taraba state with the same kind of models: silently listening, assessing, weighing options, deeply considering outcomes, and carefully planning strategies to win.
Little wonder that in Taraba state, the political atmosphere has remained stable. Yesterday’s meeting with the party top hierarchy in the state was yet another demonstration of that sagacity. Dr Kefas, as a hard core party man, has been able to settle squabbles, strengthen party structures, apportion positions, and befriend the opposition. And this he does without too much noise.
He has also successfully navigated the thin line between politics and governance. He has preserved party supremacy but has also not compromised the ability to cross the aisle and make friends for progress. Not a small feat for someone some people view as not being a professional politician (whatever that even means).
Bello is the Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications to Governor Kefas
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has officially recognized Monday Okpebholo as the legitimate governor of Edo State.
In a series of three judgments, the tribunal rejected petitions submitted by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Action Alliance, and Accord Party.
The tribunal determined that the PDP did not present any witnesses to substantiate its claims of overvoting.
Specifically, the PDP failed to bring forth polling unit agents from the locations where they alleged electoral discrepancies occurred.
Furthermore, the tribunal noted that among the 19 witnesses presented by the petitioners, 14 were ward and local government agents, while the primary witness, who claimed to be a director of strategy for the PDP, had no involvement in the election’s execution.
Additionally, the tribunal remarked that the BVAS evidence submitted by the petitioners was inadequately presented.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State has condemned the ban on political rallies and convoys imposed by the state government.
State Chairman of SDP, Mr Ahmed Attah, issued the condemnation in a statement signed by the SDP Press Secretary, Isaiah Ijele, on Tuesday in Lokoja.
The party described the ban as an attack on democratic principles and a blatant attempt to silence opposition voices.
Attah urged Gov. Ahmed Ododo to learn from the past and avoid repeating old, harmful practices that have hindered the state’s progress.
“The party views this action as an attempt to suppress the freedom of association and movement enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Attah insisted that the state is not at war and urged the government to focus on development instead of engaging in political manoeuver.
He warned that Kogi must not return to the dark days of repression, particularly against the opposition. (NAN)
The Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo, has said the only unity and emergence of a strong candidate could secure victory for the coalition of opposition leaders in 2027.
Onovo, an activist and Head of Policy Positions, Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
He was reacting to the recent announcement of an opposition coalition to challenge the All progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.
Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, Chief Martin Onovo,
“The coalition of opposition leaders needs a candidate that is vigorous; a strong candidate to brighten its chances in 2027. The coalition needs somebody with a clear agenda and a clear vision.
“The opposition needs a candidate with a strong background of integrity. Nobody is perfect, but you need a strong background of integrity.
“The opposition needs somebody who is morally and mentally competent, and physically fit. The opposition does not need the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any old person if it wants to win.
“The opposition doesn’t need any old person now. It is time to use the energy of the young.
“They must present a strong candidate, who is strong morally, mentally, and physically, with a clear patriotic agenda to move the country forward, ” Onovo said.
He added that the coalition had a lot that could work to its advantage in 2027 and urged members to work with unity of purpose to achieve convincing victory.
Also speaking on chances of the ruling party in 2027, the politician said APC could remain in power if the challenges arising from subsidy removal and other economic issues were addressed by the present administration.
He also said President Bola Tinubu still had the opportunity to address the security challenges in the country to win in 2027 ,and remain in power ,if interested
Onovo, who noted that he was not part of the organisers of the mega coalition, said that he had always been part of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) since 2019 elections.
He called on all Nigerians to unite for the development of the country, ensuring leadership that would fulfill the country’s aspirations.
NAN recalls that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had recently announced the formation of a coalition, aimed at unseating Tinubu in 2027.
Atiku made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja, attended by several opposition politicians, including former APC members.
Among those present at the even were the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, represented by Dr Yunusa Tanko; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. (NAN)
