The directive was issued during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo, where the governor urged leaders to engage in broad consultations and present one agreed aspirant for each position within five days.

He said the move was aimed at strengthening unity within the party as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

“At this point, I want to make a very important appeal and also give direction. All leaders here should return to their respective zones, consult widely, engage your people, and within the next five days, come back with one consensus aspirant per position,” Kefas said.

Stakeholders Present at the Meeting

The meeting was attended by members of the State Working Committee (SWC), Minister of State for Regional Development Uba Maigari, former Governor Garba Umar, federal and state lawmakers, 16 local government chairmen, members of the state executive council, and other APC stakeholders aligned with the governor.

Call for Unity and Internal Peace

Governor Kefas emphasized the need to avoid internal divisions that could weaken the party, stressing that collective interest must override personal ambitions.

He noted that both longstanding members and new entrants must be accommodated to keep the party strong.

“We do not need to fight to win. We need to work together to win,” he said.

Describing the APC in Taraba as a family, he added that issues arising from past congresses at ward, local government, state, and national levels were being addressed to ensure fairness and justice.

Warning Against ‘Do-or-Die’ Politics

The governor cautioned against viewing politics as a “do-or-die affair,” stressing that leadership is determined by divine will and should be approached with humility and responsibility.

APC Leadership Promises Fair Process

Earlier, the Taraba APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, assured aspirants of a transparent process in selecting candidates for the 2027 elections.

He explained that party guidelines provide for consensus candidates where possible, but where consensus fails, direct primaries will be conducted.

Bawa also dismissed claims that Governor Kefas had favoured any aspirant by purchasing nomination forms, insisting that all contestants would be treated fairly.

The endorsement was part of resolutions reached at the association’s 54th Expanded National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja, attended by representatives from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as former leaders of the association.

The motion supporting Tinubu was moved by former ALGON President, Alabi Kolade David, and seconded by the Plateau State ALGON Chairman, Anani Hamisu Mohammed.

Support for Tinubu’s Administration

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, ALGON reiterated its backing for the Tinubu-led administration, saying the decision was based on the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The association said the policies of the current government had strengthened fiscal autonomy and improved the capacity of local governments to function effectively.

It added that continuity would further deepen grassroots governance, enhance service delivery, and bring development closer to the people.

Three Chairmen Suspended Over Alleged Misconduct

During the same meeting, ALGON suspended three local government chairmen over alleged misconduct and actions considered contrary to the association’s constitution.

Those affected include Zakari Iliyasu of Agwara Local Government Area (Niger State), who also serves as ALGON Chairman in the state; Abubakar Danladi Abdullahi of Kaiama Local Government Area (Kwara State); and Abba Shehu Tambuwal of Tambuwal Local Government Council (Sokoto State).

The association accused them of impersonation, anti-association activities, and abuse of constitutional provisions.

ALGON warned government agencies, development partners, and state authorities against recognising or engaging the suspended officials in any official capacity.

Vote of Confidence in ALGON Leadership

The association also passed a vote of confidence in its National President, Bello Lawal, expressing full support for his leadership.

Members reaffirmed their commitment to the unity of ALGON and pledged continued backing for initiatives aimed at strengthening local government administration and grassroots development across the country.