Political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Taraba State are beginning to gather momentum, with supporters of Governor Agbu Kefas and opposition figures increasingly engaging in public exchanges over the performance of the current administration and the state’s future direction.
The latest development came on Monday, when the Agbu Kefas Continuity Movement responded to recent comments by the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Abubakar Tutare, dismissing his remarks as politically motivated and lacking a convincing alternative agenda for the state.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Ibrahim Ardo, the pro-Kefas group described a recent video by the former senator as reflecting “frustration” rather than leadership, while alleging that his political campaign was driven more by personal ambition than a commitment to public service.
The movement argued that Senator Tutare, who has served in several key public offices, including being a member of the Taraba State House of Assembly, commissioner, secretary to the state government, and senator, had sufficient opportunities to influence the state’s development during his years in government.
According to the group, the former lawmaker’s criticism of the current administration was not supported by evidence of significant achievements recorded during his own tenure in public office.
Defending Governor Kefas’ administration, the movement maintained that the government has made measurable progress in critical sectors, including education, payment of retirees’ gratuities, completion of previously abandoned projects, and strengthening security across parts of the state.
The statement also rejected Senator Tutare’s assessment of the state’s development, insisting that the administration has remained focused on delivering policies and projects that directly benefit residents.
The group further alleged that the ADC candidate’s comments reflected a preference for a style of governance centered on rewarding political associates rather than advancing the broader public interest.
It warned against what it described as a return to patronage politics and urged residents to support leadership that prioritizes inclusive development.
On security, the movement argued that the situation has improved under the current administration, noting that communities once affected by insecurity have witnessed greater freedom of movement and increased government intervention.
It contrasted the current security environment with previous years when criminal activities reportedly restricted movement in some parts of the state.
Read also:
- Taraba Former Councilors Lament Hardship Over Unpaid Benefits, Urge Governor Kefas To Act
- Kefas administration must deliver results to retain support, APC chieftain Kente warns
- 2027: Battle looms in Taraba as APC stakeholders reject Gov. Kefas’ performance
The group also challenged Senator Tutare to move beyond criticism by presenting what it described as a practical and comprehensive blueprint for addressing the state’s challenges, particularly in the areas of security, economic development, and infrastructure.
Reaffirming its support for Governor Kefas, the movement said the 2027 governorship election should be determined by what it described as “results versus rhetoric” and “progress versus regression,” insisting that the governor remains best positioned to sustain the state’s development trajectory.
Cautioning against what it called “fear-driven and grievance-based politics,” the group urged political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns and policies that promote unity, stability, and inclusive growth in Taraba State.
