The governor of Taraba State in north-eastern Nigeria has formally defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move welcomed by senior federal officials as a boost for national unity and development.
Agbu Kefas was officially received into the APC by Vice-President Kashim Shettima during a ceremony in the state capital, Jalingo, on Saturday. Mr Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, hailed the switch as a “moment of pride” for the party and the country.
“The APC was built as a meeting point for people committed to development,” Mr Shettima said. “Today, it is a thing of pride that Taraba has joined this fold. We welcome our brother home because, in truth, he has always been with us.”
The vice-president praised Governor Kefas for his inclusive approach in managing Taraba’s complex ethnic and religious diversity, and urged residents to rally behind him. He described the governor as the “undisputed leader” of the APC in the state.
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The defection follows months of speculation. Mr Kefas had registered as an APC member at ward level in December 2025, but the formal ceremony was delayed from an earlier planned date in November, reportedly due to the kidnapping of school students in neighbouring Kebbi State.
Prof Nentawe Yilwada, the APC national chairman, called the move a “significant boost” that would unlock Taraba’s economic potential. “Joining the APC is one of the best decisions for Taraba State,” he said. “The state is richly endowed, and this alignment will help position it for greater development.”
In response, Governor Kefas emphasised that his decision was driven by service to the people rather than personal ambition. “This is not about power, but purpose,” he said. “We must align in order to deliver development. I will not abandon the mandate given to me; rather, I will strengthen it and ensure fairness to all.”
He thanked President Tinubu, whom he described as a leader who “understands governance and delivers results”, and declared Taraba open for investment and further progress.
The switch comes amid a wave of defections from the PDP to the APC in recent years, including several other governors, as Nigeria’s opposition grapples with internal divisions. Taraba, a diverse and resource-rich state bordering Cameroon, has long been a political battleground.
Analysts suggest the move could strengthen the APC’s position in the North-East geopolitical zone ahead of future elections, while providing the state with closer ties to federal resources under Mr Tinubu’s administration.
The ceremony underscores the fluid nature of Nigerian party politics, where alignments often shift in pursuit of development funding and influence at the centre.
