No Automatic Ticket for Kefas if He Joins APC – Former Taraba APC Chairman, Hassan Ardo

A former Nigerian ambassador and pioneer Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Hassan Jika Ardo, has dismissed the possibility of Governor Agbu Kefas securing an automatic governorship ticket in the APC if he defects from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Ardo confirmed growing speculation that Governor Kefas is considering leaving the PDP for the APC.

However, he cautioned that such a move would not entitle the governor to preferential treatment or bypass the party’s internal democratic processes.

“The APC is open to all Nigerians, including Governor Kefas,” Ardo stated. “But joining the party does not mean anyone will be handed the governorship ticket on a silver platter.

There will be no automatic ticket for anyone. We will conduct primaries, and whoever wins will carry the party’s flag.”

Ardo was also critical of the governor’s performance since taking office, arguing that the administration has underperformed despite receiving considerable federal allocations over the past two years.

“While the governor deserves some credit for improvements in security, that’s where the success ends. His free education policy is nothing but a facade — schools lack uniforms, sandals, and basic furniture, with students still learning on bare floors in overcrowded classrooms,” he said.

He accused Governor Kefas of failing to deliver meaningful infrastructure projects, instead opting to rebrand and remodel existing ones without initiating anything new.

“He is simply renaming and repackaging old projects while neglecting the need for genuine development. No new roads, no major projects completed — just media propaganda. Governor Kefas has lost public trust and has become a political liability,” Ardo alleged.

The APC chieftain urged Taraba residents to take a critical look at the governor’s record and avoid being swayed by political sentiment as the 2027 elections approach.

“Tarabans must open their eyes and reclaim their destiny. We cannot afford to mortgage the future of our state. This state deserves better,” he concluded.

Ardo’s remarks add to the growing political discourse in Taraba, as parties and stakeholders begin strategic alignments ahead of the next electoral cycle.