A prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Chief David Kente, has denied rumours he is orchestrating a defection of Governor Agbu Kefas of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Speaking in a telephone interview with journalists on Monday, Chief Kente described the speculations as “unfounded” and “damaging,” stressing that they have adversely affected his political reputation within the party.
“As I speak to you, the governor has not told me that he wants to move to the APC,” Kente said.
“Virtually all the APC members have isolated me over the past two years, and they’ve rejected offers from the national government that were meant for me.”
The APC chieftain, who hails from the same local government area as Gov. Kefas, noted that the rumours have worsened internal divisions and led to accusations that he is secretly negotiating the governor’s entry into the APC.
“They have further damaged my political programmes by alleging that I masterminded the governor’s plans to join the APC,” he lamented.
Kente clarified that neither he nor other senior political figures in Southern Taraba had been consulted about any possible defection, stating that even close allies like Senator Joel Ikenya are unaware of any such development.
“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.
“As of now, the governor has not contacted any one of us.”
Although Kente previously ruled out contesting against Gov. Kefas as a sign of respect, he hinted that the evolving political dynamics might force a reconsideration of that position.
“Dynamics are changing, and when dynamics change, decisions also change,” he remarked.
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Reflecting on his political journey, Kente recalled how he and Senator Ikenya were instrumental in building the APC’s foundation in Southern Taraba in 2016.
He emphasized the importance of cultural values among the Jukun people, particularly the need for mutual respect and consultation on major political decisions such as party defection.
“In our culture, our brother should have told us if he is thinking of joining our party. But right now, all we know are rumours,” Kente said.
He urged APC members to dismiss the speculations and stop associating him with any alleged defection plot.
“If the governor is indeed considering coming to the APC, it is without our knowledge or involvement,” he stated.
