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Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the decision as a strategic move taken in the broader interest of governance and political cohesion in the state.
Kefas completed his registration as an APC member yesterday after receiving his party membership card at the Government House in Jalingo, the state capital.
The event drew key political figures from across Taraba, signalling strong internal backing for the move.
Confirming the development, the governor expressed gratitude to party leaders and supporters who welcomed him into the APC fold.
He said the reception reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the party’s structure in the state.
“This decision was not taken lightly,” Kefas said. “I joined the APC to promote effective governance, deepen unity, and ensure Taraba benefits from inclusive political cooperation.”
The membership card was presented to the governor by Umaru Tanko, chairman of the APC Hospital Ward in Wukari Local Government Area, during the registration process.
Party executives described the moment as a turning point for APC’s expansion in the state.
Moreover, the gathering featured notable political actors, including Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, John Bonzena, former Speaker Abel Diah, and APC stalwart Danladi Baido, underscoring the weight of the occasion.
Addressing concerns about timing, Kefas clarified that although a large-scale defection ceremony had earlier been planned for November, the event was postponed.
However, he noted that completing his registration now enables him to actively engage in party activities without delay.
“Formal registration allows me to fully participate in party affairs while we prepare for a broader engagement with stakeholders,” the governor said.
Politically, the defection represents a significant shift in Taraba’s landscape.
Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the state has been governed exclusively by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), making Kefas’s move a historic departure.
Furthermore, the development strengthens the APC’s national footprint, increasing the number of states under its control to 27 and reinforcing its dominance ahead of future electoral contests.
AFRIPOST reports that the governor’s decision could reshape political alignments in Taraba, with potential implications for party loyalty, legislative cooperation, and governance priorities in the months ahead.