The former Nigerian envoy and pioneer Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Alhaji Hassan Jika Ardo, has dismissed the possibility of Governor Agbu Kefas receiving an automatic governorship ticket if he defects to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an interview, Ardo confirmed ongoing speculation that Governor Kefas is considering leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC, but warned that such a move would not guarantee him special privileges.
“The APC is open to all Nigerians, including Governor Kefas,” Ardo said. “However, joining the party does not entitle anyone to a governorship ticket. There will be no automatic ticket for anyone. We will conduct free and fair primaries, and whoever emerges as the winner will get the party’s support.”
Ardo was critical of the governor’s performance since taking office, alleging that despite receiving significant federal allocations, the administration has failed to deliver meaningful results.
“While we acknowledge the governor’s efforts in restoring security in parts of the state, beyond that, there is little to show. The much-publicised free education programme is a mess—students have no uniforms, no sandals, sit on bare floors, and classrooms are overcrowded,” he stated.
The former party chairman further accused the governor of lacking originality in project execution, claiming that most of the activities under the current administration involve the rebranding or remodelling of existing projects rather than initiating new ones.
“Nothing new has been started or completed. There are no new roads, no impactful projects—just propaganda. Governor Kefas has lost the confidence of the people and has become a political liability,” Ardo said.
He urged the people of Taraba to evaluate the governor’s performance objectively and not be swayed by political sentiments as the 2027 elections draw near.
“Tarabans must wake up and reclaim their destiny. The state deserves better leadership,” he added.
