In a dramatic political development, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has indefinitely postponed his planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. The governor cited the recent kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State as the primary reason for his decision.
Security Concerns Trump Political Ambitions
Governor Kefas was scheduled to formally join the APC on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in a ceremony expected to take place in Jalingo. However, in a statement released on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the governor declared that national security concerns must take precedence over political activities.
The northeast governor explained that the abduction of innocent schoolgirls in Kebbi State made it morally imperative to suspend all major political events. He emphasized that this is not a time for celebration but rather for reflection, prayers, and collective action against the security challenges facing the nation.
Governor's Statement on National Unity
In his official statement, Governor Kefas declared: "In the light of the deeply troubling incident of the kidnapping of innocent school girls in Kebbi state, I have taken the solemn decision to postpone my scheduled declaration and movement to the All Progressive Congress."
The governor further elaborated that solidarity and compassion must rise above politics during such critical moments. He stressed that the safety of children, whom he described as the most vulnerable and precious members of society, deserves greater attention than any political ceremony or activity.
Political Ramifications and Preparations
The postponement comes after key APC stakeholders had begun meetings to finalize arrangements for the governor's reception into the party. Preparations were already underway for what promised to be a grand ceremony in Jalingo to welcome Governor Kefas into the APC fold.
Had the defection proceeded as planned, Kefas would have become the fifth PDP governor to cross over to the APC, following in the footsteps of Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State.
The political landscape in Taraba State has been experiencing significant shifts, with the PDP chairman in the state, Abubakar Bawa, recently resigning from the party. Additionally, the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, John Kizito Bonzena, along with 15 other lawmakers, had also defected from the PDP to the APC in anticipation of the governor's move.
While the governor has suspended his defection indefinitely, political observers continue to monitor the situation closely, noting that the underlying political realignments in Taraba State remain significant despite the current postponement.
