Manny Ita
The Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The formal announcement took place during a high-profile ceremony in Jalingo, where the Governor cited the need to align state interests with the federal center to ensure more rapid progress for his constituents. This move ends months of speculation regarding the Governor’s political future and marks a significant loss for the opposition in a state long considered a PDP stronghold.
Reacting to the development from the State House, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended a warm welcome to the Governor, describing the transition as a vital step toward national cohesion. The President specifically characterized the defection as a boost for “developmental partnership,” emphasizing that a unified front between the state and federal governments is essential for tackling the unique security and economic challenges facing the region. The Presidency further noted that the Governor’s decision reflects a growing confidence in the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
The defection has sent ripples through the political corridors of both parties, with the APC leadership hailing the move as a strategic victory that strengthens their presence in the Middle Belt and North-East zones. Supporters of the Governor believe the move will unlock stalled federal projects and improve resource allocation to the state. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the state chapter of the PDP, which accused the Governor of abandoning the mandate given to him by the electorate under their platform. Despite the local friction, the transition process is already underway, with several state lawmakers expected to follow the Governor into the ruling party in the coming days.
