Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Taraba State Government has dismissed reports circulating across political circles alleging that Governor Agbu Kefas has approved automatic electoral tickets for selected aspirants ahead of the forthcoming general elections, describing the claims as false, misleading, and capable of generating unnecessary political tension within the state.
In a statement issued in Jalingo by the Special Adviser on Political Matters and Special Duties, Josiah Sabo Kente, the government said no such arrangement or commitment has been made by the governor to any individual or group within the state’s political structure.
The clarification comes amid growing speculation within political circles regarding alleged zoning arrangements and internal party negotiations ahead of the next election cycle, which have continued to generate debate among aspirants and party stakeholders across Taraba State.
According to the statement, Governor Kefas remains committed to the principles of internal democracy, fairness, and equal opportunity for all aspirants, stressing that the administration has not deviated from established democratic norms guiding political participation and party competition.
The government further emphasized that at no time did the governor promise automatic tickets to any aspirant, noting that such claims are entirely unfounded and do not reflect the official position of the state government or the ruling political structures in Taraba.
It added that the circulation of such rumours had already begun to create confusion and anxiety among party members, aspirants, and supporters, prompting the need for a formal clarification to prevent further misunderstanding and maintain unity within the political system.
The statement also referenced the position of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, noting that party leadership has consistently maintained that there are no provisions for automatic tickets, and that all aspirants will be subjected to transparent and competitive selection processes in line with party guidelines.
Party officials, according to the clarification, reiterated their commitment to credible internal democracy, stressing that the emergence of candidates for various elective positions will be determined strictly through established procedures rather than predetermined arrangements or informal endorsements.
The government urged political stakeholders, aspirants, and supporters to disregard the rumours and avoid spreading unverified information capable of undermining party cohesion and destabilizing the political environment in the state.
It further called on party members to remain calm and focused, encouraging them to engage in constructive political activities while respecting the rules and processes governing candidate selection within the party structure.
Reaffirming the administration’s priorities, the statement noted that Governor Kefas remains focused on governance and the delivery of development programmes across Taraba State, while continuing to support lawful democratic processes within political institutions as preparations for future elections progress.
Political observers note that rumours of automatic tickets often emerge in the build-up to elections in Nigeria, frequently reflecting internal competition among aspirants and the strategic positioning of political actors within party structures.
Such claims, whether accurate or not, tend to heighten political sensitivity and can sometimes lead to internal disputes if not promptly addressed by relevant authorities or party leadership.
In this case, the state government’s swift response appears aimed at preventing escalation and reinforcing confidence in the integrity of the candidate selection process within the ruling political framework.
Analysts also observe that internal democracy remains a key issue in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, with parties frequently emphasizing transparency and fairness in candidate emergence as a way of strengthening legitimacy and reducing post-primary disputes.
The Taraba State Government’s clarification therefore seeks to reassure stakeholders that no preferential arrangements have been made and that all aspirants will compete under the same conditions as outlined by party regulations.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the election season, stakeholders in Taraba State are expected to continue engaging in consultations and mobilization efforts while awaiting formal timelines and guidelines for party primaries.
For now, the government maintains that there is no basis for the rumour and urges all political actors to focus on unity, discipline, and adherence to democratic processes as preparations for future elections continue across the state.
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