KEFAS CALLS FOR RECONCILIATION, UNITY AMONG TARABA APC STAKEHOLDERS

Taraba state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to put aside grievances arising from the party’s congresses and primary elections and work together ahead of future electoral contests.

The governor made the appeal on Tuesday during a reconciliation dinner with APC stakeholders in Jalingo, describing the gathering as a “family meeting” aimed at healing divisions, rebuilding trust and strengthening the party.

Kefas acknowledged that the process leading to his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, as well as the ward, local government and state congresses and subsequent primaries, had generated mixed feelings among party members.

He admitted that while some members were satisfied with the outcome of the exercises, others felt disappointed or excluded from the process.

“Wherever this happened, I sincerely regret the pain or misunderstanding that may have arisen,” the governor said, adding that his decisions were never intended to suppress legitimate political ambitions or diminish the contributions of party stakeholders.

According to him, the decisions taken during the political process were aimed at preventing prolonged internal conflicts that could have weakened the party and divided the people of Taraba state.

The governor stressed that reconciliation should now take precedence over political differences, noting that party contests should not create permanent enemies or destroy long-standing relationships.

He urged party members who secured the APC ticket to demonstrate humility by reaching out to those who were unsuccessful, saying electoral victories should not breed arrogance or exclusion.

“No candidate can succeed alone,” he said, urging successful aspirants to carry every stakeholder along regardless of the outcome of the primaries.

Kefas also appealed to aspirants who did not emerge victorious to remain committed to the party, assuring them that political opportunities extend beyond a single election cycle.

He pledged to deepen consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the state, saying reconciliation would not end with the dinner but would continue through sustained dialogue at the ward, local government, senatorial and state levels.

The governor said reconciliation should go beyond appointments and political positions, stressing that respect, consultation, inclusion and recognition were essential to building a stronger party..

He called for an end to divisions between old and new members of the APC, insisting that there should be “only one APC in Taraba state.”

Kefas further pledged to lead with humility, listen to constructive criticism and broaden consultations in decision-making, while urging all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the party above personal grievances.

He reminded party members that politics should ultimately focus on improving the lives of citizens through better security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity, employment and agricultural development rather than internal disputes.

The governor urged party leaders, aspirants and supporters to embrace forgiveness, rebuild trust and unite ahead of future elections.

“Let tonight mark the beginning of a new chapter founded on respect, forgiveness, consultation, discipline and shared purpose,” he said.

Kefas expressed confidence that a united APC would be better positioned to earn the confidence of the people of Taraba State and achieve electoral success while advancing peace, progress and prosperity across the state.