Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has appealed to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to embrace reconciliation following the party’s congresses and primary elections, urging victorious candidates to demonstrate humility while encouraging unsuccessful aspirants to remain committed to the party.
The governor made the appeal during a reconciliation dinner attended by APC leaders and stakeholders in Jalingo, where discussions focused on restoring unity and preparing the party for future political contests.
According to Gossip News Now, Kefas described the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen relationships within the party and close the chapter on disagreements that emerged during the nomination process.
Governor Seeks Healing After Internal Party Exercises
Addressing party members, Agbu Kefas acknowledged that the political activities leading to the congresses and primaries, including his movement from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, generated different reactions among supporters.
He admitted that while many members welcomed the outcomes, others were left disappointed after failing to secure party nominations or feeling sidelined during the process.
The governor expressed regret over any misunderstanding or emotional pain experienced by members, emphasizing that none of the decisions taken were intended to undermine anyone’s political aspirations or contributions to the party.
Kefas Explains Reason Behind Political Decisions
According to the governor, several difficult decisions were made with the broader objective of preventing prolonged internal disputes capable of weakening the party ahead of future elections.
He suggested that preserving party stability required balancing competing interests, adding that the leadership remained focused on maintaining unity rather than allowing disagreements to deepen divisions across Taraba State.
In his remarks, Kefas indicated that political contests should never permanently damage relationships among party faithful, stressing that elections come and go while the party continues to exist.
Victorious Aspirants Told to Carry Everyone Along
The governor challenged candidates who secured the APC ticket to adopt an inclusive leadership style.
He encouraged them to reach out to fellow aspirants and stakeholders who were unsuccessful, noting that electoral victories become more meaningful when achieved with broad support across the party.
Rather than celebrating individual success alone, he urged winners to build bridges and promote cooperation in preparation for future electoral battles.
Message to Aspirants Who Lost Primaries
Agbu Kefas also directed words of encouragement to party members who did not emerge as candidates.
He reminded them that political careers are built over time and that losing a primary election does not mark the end of future opportunities.
The governor therefore appealed to them to remain loyal to the APC, continue supporting the party’s activities and contribute to its long-term growth.
Party Unity Placed Above Personal Interests
Throughout the meeting, the governor emphasized that reconciliation should now become the party’s top priority.
He maintained that internal competition should strengthen rather than divide the organisation, urging every stakeholder to put collective progress ahead of personal grievances.
The reconciliation effort, he added, is expected to position the APC for stronger participation in future elections across Taraba State.
Analysis
Internal reconciliation remains a critical phase for many political parties after congresses and primary elections. Political analysts believe that parties capable of resolving internal disagreements quickly are often better positioned to present a united front during general elections. Agbu Kefas’ appeal reflects a broader recognition that party cohesion and inclusive leadership could play an important role in determining the APC’s future political strength in Taraba State.
