Speculation mounts over Taraba Gov, Kefas possible defection to APC
Political tension is rising in Taraba State as speculation intensifies over a possible defection by governor Agbu Kefas from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Although no official statement has been made, governor Kefas’ increasingly warm relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sparked widespread discussion about a potential political realignment.
Observers note the governor’s frequent engagements with the president both at public events and behind closed doors as a potential sign of shifting loyalties.
Sources close to the matter suggest the move may be driven by the desire to attract greater federal attention to Taraba.
The state, which remains under opposition control, has reportedly struggled to secure major federal investments, particularly in infrastructure.
“The writing may be on the wall. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, it’s not unusual to see shifts in allegiance.
But if Kefas is indeed considering a switch, it may be more about opening Taraba to federal collaboration than playing partisan politics,” said a senior political analyst in Jalingo.
Fueling the speculation, a local advocacy group, the Concerned Taraba Youth Group, has publicly called on governor Kefas to align with the APC.
The group cited long standing neglect of federal projects, including the Mambilla Hydro Power Project and the stalled Zing–Jalingo–Wukari road, as reasons for the governor to reconsider his political base.
“Considering the continued deterioration and abandonment of federal projects in Taraba, we appeal to Governor Agbu Kefas to align with President Bola Tinubu in order to attract greater federal presence to the state. We want the governor to make history by leaving the PDP and joining the APC,” said the group’s spokesperson, Shedrack Iremiya Gani.
Within the APC, the mood appears optimistic.
A senior party chieftain, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the party is preparing to welcome a wave of high-profile defections from the PDP.
