‘Taraba APC May Not Participate In Governorship Election,' Danladi Kifasi Warns

 Ahead of the 2023 general elections, a governorship aspirant in Taraba state on the platform of All Progressives Congress APC, Barr. Danladi Kifasi has called on the national leadership of the party to take a decisive step to ensure that APC is not excluded from the contest.

 

This is also as he cautions that picking an unpopular candidate will not give the party victory in Taraba in 2023.

 

Speaking with newsmen in Abuja the former Head of Service of the Federation warned that if the party is not able to meet up with the July 15 deadline for submission of governorship candidates set by INEC, it will lead to automatic disqualification which he said will be regrettable.

 

The governorship primary election of APC in Taraba was marred by last minute announcement on the mode to be adopted. 

 

Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election in the state, Lawrence Onuchukwu had few hours to the election announced that the direct primary will be adopted, contrary to the instruction by the national leadership. 

 

The party had listed Abia, Osun and Benue as only states where the direct mode will be adopted in electing its governorship flagbearers. 

 

This was however challenged by the aspirants who insisted that Taraba was not among the states where direct primary mode has been approved. 

 

According to Barr. Kifasi APC has not held primary election, describing as laughable the decision of former Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Bwacha to declare himself winner of the primary election. 

 

He had since instituted a legal action at Federal High Court in Jalingo, barring INEC from recognising Sen. Bwacha as APC governorship candidate in the state.

 

He also wondered why the election appeal committee of APC has not communicated the aggrieved aspirants after an official complaint letter was filed. 

 

While advising his party, the APC to explore the consensus option to pick an acceptable and popular candidate, Barr. Kifasi urged the APC to pick him, stating that he possesses the leadership acumen and grass-root support to lead the state in 2023.

 

Kifasi described himself as a servant leader who will not act like 'lord and master' over the people. 

 

"I will deploy same energy I used in serving the entire Nigeria's workforce as Head of Service who meritoriously rose through the ranks to serve the people of Taraba state. 

 

"I am a technocrat, administrator and I understand that I have to be a servant leader. Under me, the people will be respected and valued as my employers" he assured.