Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, yesterday sought to recalibrate public perception around his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the move was anchored on purpose, service and the long-term interest of the state, not personal ambition.
Speaking after his formal reception into the ruling party, Kefas said his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was guided by a strategic assessment of what would best unlock Taraba’s developmental potential and secure sustainable progress for its people.
The governor officially joined the APC on Saturday and was received in Abuja by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in what party leaders described as a significant political realignment.
Kefas maintained that governance, not power politics, informed his choice, stressing that his administration remains focused on delivering tangible dividends of democracy.
“This is not about power, but purpose. It is about aligning ourselves to deliver development. I will not abandon the mandate given to me; rather, I will strengthen it and ensure fairness to all,” he said.
Receiving the governor on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Shettima described the defection as a moment of pride for the APC and the country, applauding Kefas for his inclusive leadership style and commitment to unity and development.
He said the APC was conceived as a broad platform for Nigerians driven by development, adding that Taraba’s entry into the fold was consistent with the party’s founding ideals.
According to him, Taraba occupies a strategic place in Nigeria’s growth trajectory, given its diversity and abundant resources.
“We believe nations endure when they acknowledge their strengths. Taraba State is an integral part of Nigeria, blessed with enormous potential for national growth,” Shettima said.
He urged the people of the state to rally behind the governor to advance the development agenda, noting that Kefas’ understanding of Taraba’s ethnic and religious diversity positions him to foster unity. The Vice President also declared the governor the undisputed leader of the APC in the state.
In his remarks, APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, described the defection as timely and courageous, arguing that it was taken in the best interest of Taraba people.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said the governor’s entry into the ruling party would open new economic and developmental opportunities for the state, while assuring party members of fairness and inclusiveness.
He noted that the development brings the number of APC governors to 30 under the Progressive Governors Forum, signalling what he described as a growing national consensus around the ruling party.
Yilwatda added that Kefas’ alignment with the party at the centre positions Taraba to benefit more from federal programmes, policies and interventions of the Tinubu administration.
Responding, Kefas expressed gratitude to the APC leadership and the Federal Government, reaffirming his commitment to work with all stakeholders to redefine Taraba’s future.
“We will not dwell on the past. We will work together to build the future we desire for ourselves, our children and generations yet unborn,” he said.
The governor also commended President Tinubu’s leadership style, describing him as a leader with a firm grasp of governance and delivery, while declaring Taraba State open for development and investment.
