President Bola Tinubu has affirmed that governors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) remain the party’s leaders in their respective states.
He made the declaration on Saturday during the official reception of Governor Agbu Kefas into the APC in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu announced that Kefas has assumed leadership of the APC in Taraba by virtue of his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The president expressed his commitment to supporting the governor and his cabinet in driving development across the state.
He commended Kefas for efforts to unite Taraba, harmonize its diverse communities, and promote cohesion, urging residents to rally behind him for the state’s progress. Tinubu also hailed the defection as a strategic gain for the APC in the North-East geopolitical zone and called on governors in Adamawa and Bauchi to join the party.
Earlier, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda praised Kefas for his courage in leaving the “sinking PDP” for the ruling party, describing the move as a significant achievement that would enhance the state’s economy and empower youth and women. He assured all party members, old and new of equal opportunities and advised the governor to lead inclusively.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril, congratulated Taraba residents and Kefas, noting that the defection would spur development, strengthen infrastructure, and improve security. He said the move ensures Taraba enjoys equal opportunities in national governance.
Responding, Governor Kefas emphasized that his defection was motivated by the welfare of Taraba residents rather than personal interests. “The move is to bring jobs for the jobless and business for entrepreneurs, to serve the state and deliver results through discipline and patriotism,” he said.
He thanked the APC for the opportunity to “sweep away division, poverty, tribalism, and insecurity” in the state. Kefas was elected governor under the PDP in 2023 and formally joined the APC in 2025, obtaining his membership registration card.
NAN
