A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Senator Manu Haruna, on Thursday said Governor Agbu Kefas is not imposing the consensus arrangement on aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that all interested party members remain free to contest.
Senator Manu spoke in Abuja while leading APC stakeholders from Taraba State to obtain the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for Governor Kefas’ second term bid.
According to him, the Governor has encouraged inclusiveness and internal democracy within the party, stressing that consensus would only be adopted where it is acceptable to all stakeholders.
“We are here to pick the nomination and expression of interest forms for the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, for his second term by the grace of God,” he said.
He noted that the delegation comprised critical stakeholders of the APC in the state, including serving lawmakers and party leaders.
“From the people you have seen, I can tell you that every critical APC stakeholder in Taraba State is here. What we have done is just to pick the nomination and expression of interest forms.
“We just informed some of them about an hour ago. I am sure the crowd will be bigger by the time we return the forms on Monday,” he added.
The senator said the party was already looking beyond the 2027 elections and working towards sustaining unity within its ranks.
“I want us to see this ticket beyond 2027, Inshallah. I have the honour to introduce Senator Shaibu Isa Lau and Senator Jimkuta representing Taraba South. We also have the Speaker and Majority Leader of the House, as well as some of the contestants contesting various positions in Taraba State,” he stated.
Speaking on reports that the APC in the state may adopt consensus candidates, Senator Manu maintained that the governor was not compelling anyone to step down.
“We hope so. But where consensus is not possible, the governor has urged that everybody is free to go and obtain the form,” he said.
He pointed out that several aspirants for senatorial positions were already participating in the process, describing it as evidence of the party’s commitment to democracy.
“Even here, you can see some people who are contesting for the Senate. We have at least three people contesting in one senatorial district. The governor has said everybody is free to obtain his form.
“But where consensus is not possible, people are free to go into a contest. And that is democracy,” Senator Manu said.
