Taraba State Governor Formally Joins Ruling APC Party
In a significant political development, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), becoming the ruling party's thirtieth governor nationwide. This strategic defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) represents a major realignment in Nigeria's political landscape, particularly in the northeastern region.
Ceremonial Reception in Jalingo
The formal reception ceremony took place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Jalingo, the capital city of Taraba State. The event, which had been postponed earlier to honor members of the armed forces and citizens killed in terrorist attacks during November 2025, saw the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, personally present the party flag to Governor Kefas. This symbolic gesture formally affirmed Kefas as the leader of the APC in Taraba State.
Leadership Praise for Strategic Move
During the ceremony, Yilwatda described Kefas' decision to defect as both timely and courageous, emphasizing that this move would position Taraba State to benefit more substantially from federal programs and interventions under President Bola Tinubu's administration. "The APC is the party at the centre, and in my father's house there are many mansions," Yilwatda stated. "There is room for every Nigerian who is willing to come into the APC. In the APC, all states and all people are equal, and Taraba is as important as every other APC-governed state."
APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru echoed these sentiments, describing the governor's reception as "a moment of collective joy for the party." Basiru highlighted the party's expansive growth, noting that "the APC has grown into the largest political party in Africa with a nationwide spread. The APC has become the largest party, and our reach is broader than that of many countries of the world."
Governor Kefas Explains His Motivation
Addressing attendees at the event, Governor Kefas clarified that his decision to join the APC was driven by purpose and the future development of Taraba State rather than political expediency. "Today, I stand before you not to make noise, but to make meaning; not to play politics, but to lead with focus," he declared.
The governor emphasized that this transition was fundamentally about accelerating development in Taraba State. "Some say this is defection; I say to you it is about mission," Kefas explained. "I am not in the APC for survival; I am here for the progress of Taraba State. We are moving to the APC to strengthen and actualise our programmes with total commitment to making life better for the people of Taraba State."
Political Implications and Future Prospects
This defection significantly strengthens the APC's political dominance across Nigeria, particularly as the party now governs thirty states. The move also potentially reshapes political dynamics in Taraba State and the broader northeastern region, where party affiliations have historically been competitive.
Observers note that Governor Kefas' alignment with the ruling party could enhance Taraba's access to federal resources and development initiatives, though opposition voices may question the timing and motivations behind such political transitions.
