A protracted political dispute in Nigeria’s Taraba State has intensified after the All Progressives Congress (APC) criticized Governor Kefas Agbu’s recent public address regarding the prolonged absence of Deputy Governor Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, calling it insubstantial and void of actionable plans. The governor’s explanation, delivered during a statewide broadcast, was dismissed by the opposition party as “mere rhetoric” that sidestepped constitutional obligations tied to the deputy governor’s role.
In a statement released Wednesday by APC spokesperson Aaron Artimas, the party emphasized concerns over Alkali’s absence from office since late last year, which surpasses the three-month constitutional threshold for public officials. The APC labeled the extended vacancy a “brazen violation” of Nigeria’s legal framework for governance, arguing that Governor Agbu failed to clarify the constitutional ramifications of his deputy’s prolonged leave. Under Nigerian law, prolonged absences by elected officials without valid justification can trigger debates about vacancy declarations or succession protocols.
The opposition further accused Agbu of deflecting scrutiny by framing the situation through moral and religious lenses rather than addressing procedural and legal requirements. “The governor has chosen to personalize and moralize an issue that demands institutional accountability,” the statement read. While acknowledging Alkali’s undisclosed health challenges, the APC urged the state government to initiate transparent discussions with the deputy governor’s family to determine his capacity to resume duties. If Alkali is unable to return, the party recommended he step down honorably while receiving all owed benefits.
Highlighting the need for equitable representation, the APC proposed that Alkali’s family or community nominate a replacement to uphold regional and political balance. The party stressed that the vacancy transcends personal dynamics, calling it “a test of constitutional adherence and public trust.” Though the deputy governor’s prolonged absence has sparked debates about governance continuity, Governor Agbu’s administration has not yet publicly addressed calls for a mediation process or succession plans.
The controversy underscores broader tensions in Nigerian politics, where procedural adherence often clashes with personalized governance. Observers note that unresolved leadership gaps risk administrative paralysis and erode public confidence in institutions. For now, the APC’s demands spotlight the urgency of resolving the impasse through lawful and transparent measures, ensuring accountability in a region where political stability remains fragile.
