2027: Taraba residents stage solidarity march for Chief Kente’s guber ambition

Residents of Taraba State on Tuesday staged a solidarity march around Jalingo in support of Chief David Sabo Kente’s governorship ambition in 2027.

Speaking with Tribune Online during the walk, the residents said the decision stemmed from what they described as the abysmal performance of the PDP-led administration under Governor Agbu Kefas, which they claim is dragging Taraba to become one of the least developed states in Nigeria.

The leader of the movement, Mr. Sylvester Adi, told Tribune Online that Chief Kente’s philanthropic gestures have given him an edge to revive and transform Taraba to meet the people’s expectations.

Tribune Online  reports that there was a jubilant atmosphere with fanfare when Chief David Sabo Kente arrived at the Danbaba Suntai Airport, Jalingo, on April 17 to receive the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) award as “Philanthropist Man of the Year.”

The correspondent observed that placards bearing inscriptions such as “DSK, come and rescue Taraba State” and “2027, DSK is our choice” were displayed by enthusiastic supporters.

According to the residents, over ten thousand indigenes of Taraba have benefited either directly or indirectly from Chief Kente’s generosity.

ALSO READ: Taraba APC vows to defeat Gov Kefas in 2027

“Through the DSK Foundation, Kente has reached out to people in various sectors, including health, education, skills acquisition, youth empowerment, rehabilitation, community settlement, as well as the construction of bridges and culverts,” a supporter said.

“The sheer magnitude of his philanthropy and its outreach has endeared him to the people.

“As successive governments continue to perform poorly, we are calling on him to take over the reins of power in the state in 2027.

“We also wish to echo the words of the NUJ Taraba State Chairman, Comrade Mathew Elud-Jen, during the Taraba NUJ Press Week to mark the 70th Anniversary of Journalism in Nigeria.

“At the event held at the C2C Event Centre, Jalingo, Chief Kente was honoured with the Philanthropist Man of the Year Award.

“The Chairman described Chief David Sabo Kente as an exceptional individual whose kindness knows no bounds, saying, ‘We are yet to find his equal in Taraba State.’”

In a separate reaction, Hon. Shuaibu Ataka, a former commissioner and APC stalwart, described the solidarity walk for Chief Kente as timely and necessary.

“The walk for Chief Kente is a step toward liberating Taraba from the failures of the Governor Kefas-led government. Chief Kente’s track record has earned him support from people across the state,” Ataka said.

“With the poor performance of Governor Kefas’ administration, it will be easier for the APC to wrestle power from the PDP in 2027 if the party allows Chief David Sabo Kente—who enjoys overwhelming grassroots support—to fly the governorship ticket.

“As you know, APC has suffered consistent losses in the state due to internal disagreements over ‘who flies the ticket.’

“But if President Tinubu and the party leadership truly want to win Taraba for the first time, they should rally behind Chief Kente.

“You can bear witness to the massive turnout during his 60th birthday celebration in Wukari on March 3, 2025.”

Elder statesman Mr. Orya Clement also described Chief Kente as a rare gem, calling him a detribalized gentleman who finds joy in uplifting humanity.

“It is a statement of fact that Kente is an unrepentant apostle of revolutionary change in the nation’s political landscape.

“As a leader, he has made significant impact through his Foundation—offering scholarships to thousands of students, supporting orphanages, and aiding the indigent,” Clement said.

“His philanthropic works have earned him several recognitions, including ‘Ambassador of Peace and Societal Development’ and ‘Icon of Humanitarian Services’ from the Taraba State Students Union, in addition to the NUJ’s Philanthropist Man of the Year Award.

“I am glad that the Honourable Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari, recently disclosed that internal disputes which hindered the APC from taking over Taraba have been resolved. The party is now ready to unseat the PDP in 2027.

“All APC stakeholders have resolved to work together for the common good of Taraba.

“The party is determined to do the right thing by presenting the most acceptable candidate to defeat Governor Kefas.

“I understand that some people may have reservations about Chief Kente being from the same local government as the current governor, but what is at stake is the liberation of Taraba.

“We want a candidate who is widely accepted, a man who can transform Taraba in line with the dreams of its people.

“Chief David Kente not only fits that profile but has also won the hearts of the people. He is seen as highly detribalized and capable of handling challenges as they arise,” Clement added.

 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE