By Akinwale Kasali
Governor Agbu Kefas, of Taraba State, has ruled out violence and bloodshed in his pursuit for reelection, saying that the will of the people is sacrosanct and ultimate as the 2027 election gears up.
Kefas said the people will determine his political future, adding that his approach for re-election would be guided by public opinion.
He also noted that leadership must remain accountable to citizens rather than driven by desperation for power.
He made the remarks during his visit to Lagos State. He emphasised that the feedback he gets from the electorate would shape his decision.
He further added that he was willing to accept rejection if the people were dissatisfied with his performance.
“For my reelection, I think the people will decide; it’s all about the people. And if the people say no, I’ll be very happy. And I’d seek to know from them what I’ve done that they appreciate and the ones that I’ve not done.
“If I did something that is not good, and they want another person to come and do it because they feel I cannot do it, and if I’m still interested in the second term, I will say, ‘Okay, please allow me. I didn’t know you were looking at that area. Please vote for me. I’m assuring you I’m going to do it’,” Kefas said.
He added that, ““So it’s all about seeking feedback from the people and persuading them. And if I weigh it and seek reelection and they say no, I will rather go home than allow the people to be killing themselves. I would prefer to step down than allow bloodshed.
“God will always create another opportunity again. Because I know that for people like us, if one thing does not work out, another may favour us. If reelection didn’t work, I’ll go to the classroom. If the classroom does not favour me, I’ll do consultancy, and if consultancy doesn’t work, I’ll go to church to teach Bible study.”
Going down memory lane on his political journey, Governor Kefas said his emergence as governor was shaped by timing, alignment, and personal decisions made in the past.
Kefas said, “When I indicated interest in 2019 for the governorship, I actually stepped down for my predecessor.
“And if you look at it on face value, there would be no calculation to bring me back from the same zone. But you see, everything works out the way it is meant to. And today, I am here as the governor.
“So, God’s time is always the best. And also, when you align yourself in the right place, with the right people, and at the right time, things will work out for you—especially if you have a good mind,” he said.
He added that his administration was focused on building a lasting legacy, stressing that he does not want to be remembered as a leader who made no significant impact.
“Taraba was created over 29 years ago, and I don’t want to be remembered as a governor who just walked through. There must be legacy. Even if it is just to set up the state for other governors to build on, it’s something,” he said.
FOLLOW
US FOR MORE