Taraba Gov Kefas set to join APC

The Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Political Matters and Special Duties, Josiah Kente, has stated that Governor Agbu Kefas’ potential move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) would accelerate the state’s development and enhance its relationship with the Federal Government.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Jalingo, Kente described the possible defection as a strategic step aimed at securing stronger federal support and increasing Taraba’s access to national development opportunities.

He explained that the proposal was not driven by political ambition but by “the collective good of Tarabans,” emphasizing that Governor Kefas’ achievements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure deserved stronger federal backing.

“This call is anchored not on partisan interest but on the collective aspiration of the people of Taraba for sustainable progress, infrastructural transformation, and inclusion in national affairs,” Kente said.

He added that aligning with the APC at the federal level would create new avenues for development, particularly in infrastructure, security collaboration, and donor-funded initiatives.

“With the Governor’s alignment to the ruling party, Taraba stands to benefit from increased federal presence such as roads, bridges, hospitals, and power installations which are currently concentrated in states with stronger federal ties,” Kente noted.

The political adviser praised Governor Kefas for his bold and visionary leadership since assuming office, saying his Moving Forward agenda could have greater impact through cooperation with the Federal Government.

“It is only fitting that such visionary leadership is supported by an enabling political environment at the national level. The times call for bold, strategic decisions that transcend party sentiment in favour of the people’s welfare,” he added.

Kente also appealed to Taraba stakeholders, youth groups, and opinion leaders to support what he described as a “realignment for growth and prosperity.”

Governor Agbu Kefas, who was elected in 2023 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), would trigger a major political shift if he joins the APC.

Very Nigerian also reports that such a move would end the PDP’s 26-year dominance in Taraba, a state it has controlled since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Recently, several individuals and groups have also urged the governor to join the APC to attract more federal presence and investment to the state.