Kefas Moves To End APC Rift, Tasks Stakeholders On Unity

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State have been urged to put aside grievances emanating from the party’s congresses and primary elections, in order not to risk electoral setback.

Governor Agbu Kefas, who stated this at the reconciliatory dinner with APC stakeholders in Jalingo, said the unity of members remains crucial to the party’s electoral success and the development of the state.

The governor acknowledged that the party’s internal processes left some members dissatisfied and appealed for forgiveness, dialogue and renewed commitment to the collective interest of the party.

He admitted that while some members were satisfied with the outcome of the congresses and primaries, others felt excluded or insufficiently recognised, stressing that he convened the meeting to listen to aggrieved members and promote reconciliation.

“Wherever this happened, I sincerely regret the pain or misunderstanding that may have arisen. My decisions throughout the process were aimed at preventing divisions that could weaken both the party and the state,” he added.

Governor Kefas maintained that reconciliation should take precedence over political differences, noting that internal contests should not create permanent enemies within the party.

He urged those who secured the party’s tickets to remain humble and carry all stakeholders along, and warned them against arrogance, exclusion and political triumphalism.

“No candidate can succeed alone. Every candidate needs the support of those who contested, those who stepped down, those who felt disappointed and those who worked quietly without recognition,” he said.

The governor also appealed to aspirants who did not emerge victorious to remain loyal to the party, assuring them that political service extends beyond a single election cycle.

He promised to sustain consultations and dialogue across the wards, local government areas and senatorial districts to ensure that every genuine stakeholder feels respected and involved in party affairs.

According to him, reconciliation goes beyond appointments and political positions, and insisted that respect, consultation and inclusion are essential for building a stronger APC.

Governor Kefas further called for an end to divisions between old and new members of the party, declaring that there should be “only one APC in Taraba State.”

He pledged to embrace wider consultations and remain open to constructive criticism, saying leadership demands humility, patience and the willingness to correct mistakes where necessary.

The governor said, for the sake of future elections, APC first assignment should be rebuilding trust among its members, arguing that a divided party cannot effectively seek the confidence of the electorate.

“Our first campaign must therefore be reconciliation. Our first victory must be victory over bitterness. Our first responsibility must be to restore confidence among our own members,” he stated.

He, then extended hand of fellowship to all party stakeholders, including those who contested against him, those who stepped down and those still nursing grievances, urging them to forgive one another and work together for the progress of Taraba State.

The governor expressed optimism that a united APC would be better positioned to secure electoral victory and deliver sustainable development for the people of the state.

Earlier, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Prof. Josiah Sabo Kente, commended party stakeholders for their maturity, sacrifice, and commitment throughout the recently concluded ward, local government, and state congresses, as well as the party primaries.

He noted that, the exercises were conducted peacefully and successfully because party leaders demonstrated discipline and respect for the democratic process.

According to Prof. Kente, the peaceful conduct of the congresses and primaries has further strengthened the APC in Taraba State.

He added that, the dinner was convened to renew the party’s collective commitment to unity, purposeful leadership, and sustained progress.