Chief David Sani Kente, a prominent figure in Taraba State’s All Progressives Congress (APC), has vehemently refuted persistent rumors that he is responsible for reported attempts to recruit Governor Agbu Kefas of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC.
Kente, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) 2015 candidate for governor of Taraba state, called the allegations baseless and detrimental to his political reputation in a phone interview with reporters in Jalingo on Monday.
He made it clear that Governor Kefas has not contacted him about any intentions for defection and insisted that no such conversations have occurred.
“The governor has not informed me that he wishes to join the APC as I speak to you.
“Over the past two years, almost every member of the APC has shunned me and turned down offers from the national government that were intended for me,” Kente stated.
With some APC members accusing him of covertly negotiating the governor’s defection, Kente bemoaned the fact that the persistent rumor had hurt his political standing within the party.
“By claiming that I orchestrated the governor’s plans to join the APC, they have further harmed my political programs,” he continued.
The APC mainstay, who is a member of the same local government council as Governor Kefas, was disappointed that he and other influential Southern Taraba politicians had not been consulted regarding any potential relocation.
“His close buddies in the APC are also hearing it as a rumor, just like you are.
Citing an exchange with Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, who likewise denied being notified, Kente stated, “As of right now, the governor has not contacted any of us.”
Kente, who had earlier said that he would not run against Kefas out of respect, made a suggestion that the changing political climate might compel him to change his mind.
He said, “Dynamics are changing, and decisions change when dynamics change.”
Thinking back on his previous political endeavors, Kente recalled how, in 2016, he and Senator Ikenya collaborated to form the APC in Southern Taraba.
He asserts that the Jukun community’s ancient traditions require respect for one another and consultation, particularly when it comes to delicate political matters like defection.
According to our culture, if our brother was considering joining our party, he ought to have informed us. However, as of right now, we only have rumors,” he stated.
Kente vehemently urged APC members to cease accusing him for something he claims he has no knowledge of and to ignore the rumors.
He firmly declared, “If the governor is in fact thinking about visiting the APC, it is without our knowledge or involvement.”
