JALINGO – The State Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Vanguard, Convener of the Taraba APC Youth Liberation Movement, and former Director of Youth Mobilisation for the APC/Bwacha Gubernatorial Campaign Council 2023, Comrade Idris Ayuba, was the featured guest on SUM TV’s flagship political program, Today’s Politics, where he gave a comprehensive and unfiltered appraisal of the APC’s internal dynamics in Taraba State, the challenges facing the party, and his perspective on the performance of the current state administration led by Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas.
Speaking on the topic “APC Crisis in Taraba and the 2027 Elections”, Comrade Ayuba began by acknowledging that the 2023 election cycle was marred by internal discord within the APC. According to him, factional disputes, leadership struggles, and conflicting interests all played significant roles in undermining the party's chances during the last gubernatorial election. However, he was quick to note that much progress has been made in resolving these issues.
> “There were indeed serious challenges within the APC in Taraba during the 2023 elections. The crisis was real, but I can confidently say that most of the warring factions have now sheathed their swords. There is a renewed spirit of reconciliation, and we are working towards unity and discipline within the party,” Ayuba stated.
Opposition in Disarray?
When asked about the widespread perception that Taraba State lacks a credible opposition, Ayuba offered a nuanced response. He acknowledged the concerns but refuted the claim that there is no opposition presence in the state.
> “It is not true to say there is no opposition in Taraba. Many APC members, particularly the youths, have been active and vocal in holding the government accountable. Through media engagements, grassroots mobilization, and civic commentary, we have played our part,” he explained.
“However, I must admit that the silence from the party's top leadership has been disappointing. They have not effectively played their oversight role, and this silence has weakened the public perception of the APC as a viable alternative in the state.”
The Question of Authentic Leadership
In response to a question on who is the authentic chairman of the APC in Taraba State, Ayuba provided clarity and dismissed rumors of any factional leadership within the party.
> “Barrister Ibrahim El-Sudi remains the duly recognized and authentic State Chairman of the APC in Taraba. There is no faction in our leadership structure,” he emphasized.
Ayuba further referenced the APC constitution, which states that the highest-ranking elected official in a state assumes the role of party leader. In Taraba’s case, he noted that this role falls to Senator David Jimkuta, the serving Senator representing Taraba South. Nonetheless, Ayuba was candid in expressing disappointment in the Senator’s performance in this capacity.
> “Senator Jimkuta, by virtue of his position, is the de facto leader of the APC in Taraba State. But to be candid, he has failed to provide the unifying and strategic leadership that the party desperately needs. To date, he has not convened a single stakeholders’ meeting to harmonize interests or build a common front,” he said.
> “Taraba is, in theory, an APC state. The grassroots support is there. But without visionary leadership and the ability to resolve internal conflicts, we will continue to struggle at the polls.”
On Governor Kefas’ Administration
Turning his attention to the performance of the current state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, Comrade Ayuba offered a balanced evaluation. He commended the governor for prioritizing youth inclusion and taking concrete steps to address security challenges in the state.
> “I give Governor Kefas a high pass mark when it comes to improving the security situation in Taraba. I also applaud his efforts in appointing young people into key government positions. That is commendable,” he said.
However, Ayuba noted that many of these appointees are currently underutilized due to limited access to the governor and lack of political empowerment.
> “While the appointments are good on paper, many of these young people do not have access to the governor and are not empowered to carry out their duties. If the governor truly wants to lead with impact, he must ensure his aides are not mere figureheads,” Ayuba stated.
On Defection Rumors
Reacting to recent speculations that Governor Kefas might defect to the APC as part of a broader realignment in Nigerian politics, Ayuba dismissed the claims as unfounded.
> “That is completely false. Governor Kefas is widely known to be a political stooge of Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd), and he would only make such a move if instructed to do so by Gen. Danjuma,” Ayuba noted.
He was unequivocal in stating that the APC in Taraba would reject any move by Governor Kefas to defect to the party, describing his administration’s overall performance as inadequate.
> “Let me be clear: I will vehemently oppose any attempt by Governor Kefas to join the APC. He has not demonstrated the kind of leadership or performance that justifies such a move. We must not allow the party to be a dumping ground for failed leaders,” he said.
A Call to Taraba Youth
In closing, Comrade Ayuba delivered a passionate appeal to young people across Taraba State, urging them to remain politically engaged and committed to the collective goal of rescuing the APC and restoring credibility to democratic governance.
> “I urge our youth not to be discouraged. We must not allow personal ambition, tribal sentiment, or external manipulation to distract us from our mission. Taraba has the potential to lead, and with courage, unity, and integrity, we can reshape the future of this state,” he concluded.
Comrade Ayuba’s appearance on SUM TV has sparked widespread discussion within political and civic circles, and his comments are expected to influence both internal party conversations and broader state political discourse in the weeks ahead.
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