Taraba APC urges unity as Sambo’s camp demands action on primary petitions

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has inaugurated reconciliation committees as pressure mounts from supporters of former Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, over unresolved governorship primary complaints.
Sambo contested the APC governorship primaries but his camp has since raised grievances over the process. Rather than defect, the former minister has remained in the party.
Party sources said his decision to stay has complicated matters for the state leadership, which had anticipated an exit that would have allowed it to dismiss the aggrieved group.
Because Sambo remains a party member, his supporters are now demanding formal resolution of the petitions. Political observers noted that this has forced the leadership to act, to avoid going into the general election with a divided house.
The issue appears to have drawn national attention, where APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, was in Taraba over the weekend to celebrate his birthday and meet stakeholders ahead of the elections.
Sambo has also publicly dismissed rumours of defection, reaffirming his status as a founding member of the APC.
Amid the tension, some party loyalists warned that failing to address internal disputes could undermine the party’s democratic image in the state.
Reacting, the Taraba APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Aaron Artimas, said the party was prioritizing unity.
He disclosed that reconciliation committees had been inaugurated across the three senatorial zones on Monday to engage aggrieved members.
Artimas urged all stakeholders to embrace dialogue even as the APC wants to approach the upcoming elections as one family.