Tiv political appointees, community leaders, and grassroots stakeholders in Taraba State have declared their unwavering support for Governor Agbu Kefas.

Apart from collectively passing a vote of confidence in Kefas’ leadership, they distanced themselves from a purported political coalition involving the Kuteb and Tiv communities.

The endorsement was made during a world press conference held on Tuesday in Jalingo, the state capital.

The group, led by Chief Philip Iorpenda Ananum, stated that their action was prompted by Governor Kefas’s consistent commitment to peace, inclusive development, and promoting harmonious coexistence among the state’s diverse ethnic groups.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Ananum commended the governor for his people-centred policies and for appointing several Tiv sons and daughters into key political positions.

He noted that these gestures have fostered a sense of belonging and inclusion among the Tiv community.

The group also firmly disassociated itself from the Kuteb/Tiv political coalition, which they described as a media-promoted alliance that does not reflect the collective mandate or political will of the entire Tiv population in Taraba State.

“It is misleading to present the Kuteb/Tiv coalition as though it represents the unified voice of the Tiv people. The Tiv are a politically conscious and numerically significant group in Taraba.

“It is unrealistic to suggest that such people can be confined to a singular coalition, especially one that lacks wide consultation among key Tiv stakeholders,” Ananum said.

He called on Tiv people across the state to remain united, calm, and focused on the overall development of Taraba State, urging them not to be distracted by what he described as “uncoordinated political manoeuvres.

Ananum reaffirmed the community’s full support for Governor Kefas ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasising that the Tiv people will stand firmly with an administration that visibly prioritises the welfare of all ethnic nationalities in the state.