Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), raising the number of governors under the ruling party to 30.
Kefas was officially received into the APC on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at a grand ceremony in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
The party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, presented him with the APC flag, affirming his new role as leader of the party in Taraba.
Yilwatda described Kefas’ move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as “timely and courageous”, noting that it would enable Taraba to benefit from federal programmes under President Bola Tinubu.
“The APC is the party at the centre, and in my father’s house there are many mansions. There is room for every Nigerian who is willing to come into the APC,” Yilwatda said.
Tinubu’s Message Through Shettima
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, pledged stronger development ties between the federal government and Taraba following Kefas’ defection.
Shettima described Taraba as vital to Nigeria’s food and energy security. “Taraba is a land that feeds, powers, and steadies the nation without demanding applause,” he said.
He assured Kefas of his full place in the APC, stressing that the party was built as a unifying platform. “The APC grows by conviction, not compulsion. By inclusion, not exclusion. By performance, not noise,” Shettima added.
The Vice President urged Taraba residents to support Kefas, commending his efforts to promote unity in a state known for ethnic and religious diversity.
Kefas Explains His Decision
Governor Kefas said his defection was driven by purpose and the future of Taraba State.
“Today, I stand before you not to make noise, but to make meaning; not to play politics, but to lead with focus,” he declared.
He insisted the move was not about political survival but about accelerating development. “Some say this is defection; I say to you it is about mission. I am not in the APC for survival; I am here for the progress of Taraba State,” Kefas said.
The governor praised security operatives for maintaining peace in the state and emphasised that Taraba must align with the centre to benefit from federal policies.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, described Kefas’ defection as a wise decision that would bring prosperity to Taraba. He said the National Assembly fully supports the move.
Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, representing the Progressive Governors’ Forum, also welcomed Kefas, saying his decision would attract the dividends of democracy to the state.
APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru hailed the defection as a moment of collective joy.
“On behalf of the national working committee, it is our joy to receive the governor of Taraba State into our great party,” he said, adding that APC has grown into Africa’s largest political party.
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