President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that governors remain the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their respective states, as he formally welcomed the Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, into the ruling party.
The President made the declaration on Saturday at the official reception held in Jalingo to mark Governor Kefas’ defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. President Tinubu was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Among prominent APC leaders in attendance was the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, alongside other party chieftains and government officials.
According to the President, Governor Kefas has assumed leadership of the APC in Taraba State by virtue of his defection. He assured the governor of the Federal Government’s support, pledging collaboration with his administration to drive development across the state.
President Tinubu commended Governor Kefas for his efforts at uniting Taraba and managing its diversity in pursuit of peace, stability, and progress. He urged the people of the state to support the governor’s vision and cooperate with his administration.
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The President expressed satisfaction with the defection, describing it as a significant boost for the APC in the North-East geopolitical zone. He further called on other states in the region, particularly Adamawa and Bauchi, to align with the ruling party at the centre.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yelwatda, praised Governor Kefas for what he described as a courageous decision to join the APC. He said the governor made the right choice by leaving the PDP and aligning with the ruling party.
Mr. Yelwatda described the defection as a major milestone that would strengthen Taraba’s economy and expand opportunities for youths and women. He assured both old and new party members of fairness and inclusiveness within the APC, advising the governor to unite the party without discrimination.
Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the people of Taraba and Governor Kefas, noting that the defection would attract greater development, improve infrastructure, and enhance security in the state. Represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril, Mr Akpabio said the move would enable Taraba to enjoy equal opportunities at the national level.
In his remarks, Governor Kefas said the defection was aimed at shaping a new future for Taraba State, urging citizens to look forward rather than dwell on the past. He stressed that the decision was made in the interest of the people, not for personal gain.
“The move is to create jobs for the unemployed, support entrepreneurs, and serve the people with discipline and patriotism,” the governor said.
Governor Kefas thanked the APC leadership for accepting him into the party, describing the broom symbol as a mandate to sweep away division, poverty, tribalism, and insecurity in the state.
Recalls that Governor Kefas was elected under the PDP in the 2023 governorship election. He defected to the APC in 2025 and has since secured his membership registration card.
(NAN)