A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente (DSK), has denied reports alleging that he was financially induced to step down for Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.
Kente, who insisted that he is still in the race, said consultations are ongoing with his supporters and party stakeholders on the next line of action.
Reacting to the recent meeting with Governor Kefas, with reporters at his residence in Jalingo, Kente said the governor's recent visit to him should not be interpreted as a political settlement or indication that he had stepped down from the contest.
According to him, Governor Kefas had visited him previously after winning the 2023 governorship election to express his appreciation for his support, and the latest visit was not unusual.
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Kente said discussions during the visit centered on the temporary closure of the APC Secretariat, which he visited in Jalingo to submit his intent and nomination forms.
He stated that although the initial explanation was that the secretariat was shut for renovation, the governor later clarified that the action was taken to avoid potential security breaches.
"The governor gave convincing reasons concerning the closure of the secretariat, especially in view of recent security concerns in the state," Kente said.
He, however, denied reports that he had agreed to withdraw from the governorship race, saying he was still consulting political associates, elders and supporters across the state and beyond.
"There was nothing like withdrawing from the race. Consultations are still ongoing, and most of the people I have spoken with believe I should continue," he said.
Chief Kente disclosed that, during discussions with the governor, he requested that the APC ticket be ceded to him, arguing that as a "senior brother" in politics, he should be allowed to contest.
He also dismissed reports alleging that he was offered money to step down, describing the claims as false and baseless.
"I have never collected money from anybody to step down from any political contest since I joined politics in 2014," he said.
He maintained that he finances his political activities personally and does not rely on political inducements.
Chief Kente also alleged irregularities in the conduct of the APC House of Representatives primaries in Taraba State, claiming that election results were allegedly predetermined before materials arrived at polling locations.
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According to him, election materials reportedly arrived late on Thursday, while video clips of voting had already emerged from some parts of the state earlier in the day.
"There was no valid primary election anywhere in Taraba to the best of our knowledge," he alleged.
