By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Kente, has declared that he will not step down from the governorship race, insisting that his decision is backed by widespread consultations with stakeholders and supporters across the state.
“I did not take this decision alone. It was a collective resolution by stakeholders and members of my political structure. Consultations are still ongoing,” he said.
Kente also dismissed reports suggesting he had been offered financial incentives to withdraw his ambition. He refuted claims that sums ranging from N10 million to N10 billion were involved.
“I have never collected money from anybody to step down from any political contest,” he stated firmly, adding that he remains financially independent and has always kept his business interests separate from politics.
Turning to the party’s House of Representatives primaries in Taraba, Kente raised serious concerns, alleging that results were manipulated in some areas before election materials had even arrived.
“There was no proper election in many places. Materials were still being distributed while results had already emerged from some locations,” he claimed.
He further accused certain party officials of altering the outcomes of APC congresses in Takum, Donga, and Ussa local government areas by swearing in executives different from those originally elected.
Kente warned that such actions risk deepening internal divisions ahead of the 2027 elections and urged the APC leadership to address the issues promptly, ensuring fairness and transparency in all internal processes.
