By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente, has warned that the wave of defections into the party could trigger a serious internal crisis if not carefully managed.
Kente gave the warning on Monday while speaking with journalists in Jalingo, noting that some of the new entrants into the party were already taking over leadership positions and controlling party structures.
He stressed that while the APC was open to welcoming new members, long-standing party loyalists who laboured to build the party over the years must not be sidelined, warning that such actions could spark protests and internal unrest.
“In the coming days, we expect that those who have defected from other political parties into the APC and have taken over or are about to take over party structures will be kind enough to ensure peaceful coexistence and inclusiveness,” he said.
“Otherwise, there could be an implosion, and that would be disastrous. It is important that we do the right thing so that we can go into the next election strong, focused and united.”
The APC chieftain disclosed that some party stakeholders had worked to support the emergence of the current governor while he was still in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but expressed regret that they were not being adequately carried along by the present administration.
Despite this, Kente said he maintained a cordial relationship with the governor, expressing optimism that reconciliation and correction were still possible.
“For now, the relationship remains cordial, even though some wicked elements are fanning the embers of discord. I hope political leaders will not succumb to such gimmicks,” he said.
According to him, some individuals felt threatened and were deliberately working to create division within the party for personal advantage, adding that such attempts would be resisted.
Kente, a former Commissioner representing Taraba State at the North East Development Commission (NEDC), also called on relevant authorities to sustain and build on the relative peace and security experienced during the Yuletide season.
He urged both the state and federal governments to fast-track the delivery of good governance and dividends of democracy to the people.
“The most important thing is that we must learn to live together as one people, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences. No group can exist in isolation; we need one another to survive and thrive,” he said.
He further noted that the country was gradually moving into another political era, warning political actors against desperation and urging them to play by the rules.
Kente also called on the Taraba State Government to ensure the speedy completion of ongoing projects and appealed to the Federal Government to give more attention to the state, particularly by addressing the poor condition of federal highways.