•Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State
In what could mark a major shift in Taraba State’s political alignments, leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have expressed support for the defection of Governor Agbu Kefas from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The show of solidarity came at the weekend during a meeting held at the Jalingo residence of Danladi Baido, which brought together a broad coalition of APC leaders, including the party chairman, APC Youth Forum, Concerned Citizens, APC Like Minds, and party elders from across the state’s 16 local councils and two development zones, reports The Guardian.
The gathering was aimed at reaffirming loyalty and pledging support to Governor Kefas ahead of his expected entry into the ruling party.
Participants described the move as “timely” and “strategic,” saying it would enhance Taraba’s development through increased federal presence, infrastructural growth, economic empowerment, and improved human capital.
Speaking at the meeting, A.A. Liman of the NNPP bloc underscored the importance of unity, declaring his full support for the governor’s anticipated defection.
He noted that aligning Taraba with the APC-led federal government would accelerate the pace of development and open more empowerment opportunities for citizens.
In his remarks, the host, Danladi Baido, applauded APC leaders in Taraba for believing in Governor Kefas’ “progressive vision.”
He described the governor as a “true leader with a transformative agenda”, who governs without bias for party, religion, or ethnicity.
Baido urged party members, youth groups, and the electorate to rally behind the governor’s administration as he steers the state towards greater progress.
Elder statesmen and other stakeholders at the meeting also commended President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s interest in Taraba, noting recent high-profile appointments of indigenes.
They expressed confidence that Kefas’ alignment with the APC would further strengthen the relationship between the state and federal governments, resulting in more infrastructural and economic advancements.
To finalise the entire process, state APC leaders will meet tomorrow, November 4, to seal arrangements for the much-anticipated defection.
State Chairman of the APC, Ibrahim El-Sudi, confirmed the development in an interview with our correspondent over the weekend.
He described the governor’s planned defection as “a divine breakthrough” for the party, which has long sought to capture power in Taraba State.
We have been yearning for this for 13 years. God has finally given us the Taraba Government House without going to the polls,” El-Sudi said.
According to him, preparations are ongoing for a grand reception in Jalingo to formally welcome the governor into the party. The event, he said, will be attended by President Bola Tinubu, members of the APC National Working Committee, and key stakeholders from across the Northeast region.
El-Sudi disclosed that Governor Kefas had already held discussions with top APC leaders in Abuja, including the President and the national chairman, before deciding to defect.
“He has met those who matter, from the President to the national chairman. He was advised to engage with the APC structure in Taraba, and we are ready to welcome him,” he added.
