APC Receives Taraba State Governor Into The Party In A Grand Style

In a momentous political shift that has sent ripples across Nigeria’s political landscape, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally welcomed Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, into its fold. The grand reception, held in Jalingo, the state capital, was led by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, alongside the National Working Committee (NWC), Vice President Kashim Shettima, several APC governors, leadership of the National Assembly, and other key stakeholders.

The event marked Governor Kefas’ official defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he was elected in 2023, to the ruling APC. This move increases the number of APC-controlled states to 30, bolstering the party’s dominance ahead of future elections. The ceremony, postponed from December 2025, was a colorful affair filled with speeches, cultural displays, and enthusiastic supporters chanting in solidarity.

Vice President Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, described the governor’s decision as “personal and touching,” emphasizing its significance for the North-East region. “This is a point of pride that the North-East Zone now boasts more APC governors,” Shettima stated during his address. He further announced that Governor Kefas is now the official leader of the APC in Taraba State, in line with President Tinubu’s declaration that all APC governors are the party leaders in their respective states.

In his remarks, Governor Kefas explained that his defection, along with members of his cabinet, federal and state legislators, and local government officials, was driven by a desire to usher Taraba into an era of prosperity rather than mere political maneuvering. “Let me be clear today. I have moved from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress,” Kefas declared, highlighting the need for sustainable growth and inclusive development under the APC banner.

APC National Chairman Prof. Yilwatda, who assumed the role in July 2025 after serving as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, hailed the defection as the “most significant political gain” for Taraba. He urged party members to rally behind Kefas for the state’s progress.

President Tinubu, through Shettima, assured Taraba residents of inclusive development and called on neighboring states like Adamawa and Bauchi to join the APC. “I urge you all in Taraba to rally behind the governor and support him to succeed,” the president said.

The defection has been met with mixed reactions on social media, with supporters praising it as a strategic alignment for national unity, while critics question the motives amid ongoing economic challenges. Political analysts suggest this could reshape alliances in the North-East, potentially influencing the 2027 elections.