The Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, on Saturday officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and was formally received by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a ceremony in Jalingo.
Shettima, speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, described the defection as a moment of pride for both the party and the nation. He praised Kefas for his inclusive leadership and commitment to the development of Taraba State.
“The APC was built as a meeting point for people committed to development. Today, it is a thing of pride that Taraba has joined this fold. We welcome our brother home because, in truth, he has always been with us,” Shettima said, adding that the governor’s decision aligns with the APC’s founding ideals of progress and inclusivity.
He commended Kefas for understanding Taraba’s ethnic and religious diversity, urging residents to support the governor in advancing development.
“We are proud of Governor Agbu Kefas for his sense of inclusivity and his development drive. I urge the people of Taraba State to support him as he delivers on his mandate,” Shettima said, describing Kefas as the undisputed leader of the APC in the state.
“I will officially dump PDP for APC on Wednesday”, Taraba governor Kefas says
It can be recalled that Kefas had initially planned to defect in November 2025, but postponed the move, citing the kidnapping of students in Kebbi State as the reason for the delay. The formal defection was announced in December 2025 and carried out in January 2026.
Meanwhile, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwada described the defection as a major boost for the party and Taraba State, noting that it would help unlock the state’s economic and developmental potential. He called on the governor to unite all party stakeholders, assuring both old and new members of equal rights and opportunities within the APC.
Responding, Governor Kefas said his defection was motivated by service rather than personal ambition, emphasizing the need to align with the APC to deliver sustainable development to the people of Taraba State.
“This is not about power, but purpose. We must align in order to deliver development. I will not abandon the mandate given to me; rather, I will strengthen it and ensure fairness to all,” Kefas said.
