Tension Rises in Taraba as Governor Agbu Kefas Faces Defection Rumours to APC

Political tension is rising in Taraba State amid growing speculation that Governor Agbu Kefas may soon defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Although the governor has made no official statement on the matter, his increasingly close relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sparked rumours of an imminent political realignment. According to Daily Post, many observers have pointed to the governor’s frequent engagements with the president—both at public functions and in private meetings—as possible indications of shifting political allegiance.

Tension Rises in Taraba as Governor Agbu Kefas Faces Defection Rumours to APC

Governor Kefas, who has maintained a cordial working relationship with the federal government despite belonging to the opposition PDP, has in recent months appeared alongside President Tinubu at multiple events, raising eyebrows within both parties. Sources familiar with the situation suggest that the potential move may not necessarily be rooted in partisan politics but could be a strategic decision aimed at attracting federal attention and investments to Taraba State. Taraba has long struggled to secure major federal projects and infrastructure funding, leaving residents frustrated over years of perceived neglect. A political analyst based in Jalingo, who spoke with the publication, described the situation as a “strategic realignment” rather than a conventional defection. “The writing may be on the wall,” he said.

“With the 2027 elections on the horizon, it’s not unusual to see shifts in allegiance. But if Governor Kefas is indeed considering a switch, it may be more about opening Taraba to federal collaboration and development than playing partisan politics.” The speculation has been further intensified by the growing calls from local groups urging Kefas to align himself with the ruling APC. The Concerned Taraba Youth Group, in a statement issued over the weekend, appealed to the governor to join hands with President Tinubu, arguing that such a move would accelerate the completion of long-abandoned federal projects in the state.

The group’s spokesperson, Shedrack Iremiya Gani, said, “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.”

He cited the stalled Mambilla Hydro Power Project and the neglected Zing–Jalingo–Wukari road as examples of key infrastructure that have suffered due to a lack of political alignment between the state and the federal government. According to Gani, a realignment would not only foster development but also strengthen Taraba’s voice in national politics. Inside the APC, confidence is building that the party may soon welcome several high-profile defectors from the opposition. A senior chieftain of the party, who requested anonymity, confirmed to Daily Post that discussions are ongoing with a number of influential PDP members across various northern states, including Taraba. “While I won’t name names, I can tell you that a lot of big fish from the PDP will soon join forces with the APC,” he said. “We’re in close discussions with several PDP leaders, and you’ll be surprised by the number of political juggernauts crossing over soon.”

When pressed on whether Governor Kefas was among those being directly courted, the source declined to give details but hinted that the APC was optimistic about expanding its influence in the state ahead of the 2027 elections. Political observers believe that Kefas’s silence amid the mounting speculation is deliberate, as he continues to balance loyalty to the PDP with the need for cooperation with the federal government. His administration has maintained strong developmental policies at the state level, focusing on education, infrastructure, and civil service reforms. However, some insiders suggest that the governor may be weighing the political cost of staying in the PDP, particularly given the weakening influence of the party at the national level since losing power in 2023.

A former PDP lawmaker in Taraba told reporters that the political atmosphere in the state is shifting rapidly. “If you look closely, you’ll see that most of the political heavyweights are already tilting towards the ruling party. The governor’s body language suggests he wants to work closely with the centre. Whether that translates to defection or strategic alignment, time will tell,” the lawmaker said. Meanwhile, within the PDP, party loyalists are reportedly growing uneasy about the rumours.

Some see them as a ploy by the APC to destabilise the opposition in Taraba ahead of future elections. A PDP executive member in the state said the governor remains committed to the party and its ideals, dismissing the defection claims as “purely speculative.” “Governor Agbu Kefas is not leaving the PDP. His focus is on delivering good governance to the people of Taraba, not on switching political parties. All this talk of defection is the handiwork of political opportunists trying to cause distraction,” he said. Despite such assurances, the uncertainty continues to dominate political discussions across the state.

Public opinion appears divided—while some residents support the idea of aligning with the APC to attract federal presence, others fear that such a move could undermine the state’s political diversity and opposition voice. For now, Governor Kefas has chosen to remain silent, neither confirming nor denying the swirling rumours. As 2027 draws closer, Taraba’s political landscape is likely to witness more intrigue and manoeuvres, with Governor Kefas at the centre of speculation over one of the state’s most anticipated political decisions.