By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente, has denied widespread reports linking him to efforts to persuade Governor Agbu Kefas of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to defect to the APC.
In a telephone interview with journalists in Jalingo, Kente dismissed the claims as baseless and damaging to his political reputation, insisting he has had no discussions with the governor regarding any planned defection.
“As I speak to you, the governor has not told me that he wants to move to the APC,” Kente said. “For the past two years, many APC members have isolated me and even rejected offers from the national government that were meant for me.”
He lamented that the persistent rumours have worsened divisions within the party and undermined his political programmes. “They’ve damaged my reputation by alleging I’m behind the governor’s plan to join the APC,” he added.
Kente, who shares the same local government area as Governor Kefas, clarified that neither he nor other key APC figures from Southern Taraba have been consulted about any defection plans. “Just like you’re hearing it as a rumour, that’s how we, his close associates in the APC, are also hearing it,” he said, citing a recent discussion with Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, who also denied knowledge of the matter.
The APC stalwart, who previously stated he would not contest against Governor Kefas out of respect, hinted that the evolving political climate could prompt him to reconsider. “Dynamics are changing, and when dynamics change, decisions also change,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his contributions to the APC, Kente noted his role alongside Senator Ikenya in establishing the party’s foothold in Southern Taraba in 2016. He also referenced the Jukun cultural norm of open consultation and mutual respect. “In our culture, our brother should have told us if he’s thinking of joining our party. But right now, all we know are rumours,” he said.
Kente urged party members to disregard the speculation and avoid linking him to the alleged defection plot. “If the governor is indeed considering joining the APC, it is without our knowledge or involvement,” he concluded.
