President Bola Tinubu has formally handed over Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, for proper induction into the ruling party.
Governor Kefas disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting with APC youths and stakeholders at the T.Y. Danjuma House in Abuja. He said President Tinubu had acknowledged his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC and had given his official approval.
According to the governor, the President personally introduced him to Yilwatda, adding that preparations were ongoing for his formal reception as a new APC member in Taraba State
Speaking after the meeting, Comrade Abubakar Gembo said APC youths had expressed excitement over the governor’s planned defection, describing it as a major political boost for the party in Taraba.
“Governor Kefas informed us of his readiness to join our great party, the APC. He told us he had met with President Tinubu, who received him warmly and handed him over to the national chairman,” Gembo stated.
He added that the governor assured youths of inclusiveness and continued empowerment, noting that Kefas had consistently demonstrated such commitment even while in the PDP.
Idris Ayuba, Chairman of the APC Youth Vanguard, Taraba State chapter, confirmed that arrangements for the governor’s defection had been finalised at the national level, with only the formal reception at the ward, local government, and state levels remaining.
Ayuba urged party members and youths to rally behind the governor, describing him as a “youth-friendly leader” whose policies have focused on empowerment, education, and inclusion.
In a separate statement, the Vanguard’s Publicity Secretary, Rikwense Muri, also confirmed the development. He said Governor Kefas met with key APC youth leaders and influencers to discuss building a united political front aimed at accelerating Taraba’s development through closer collaboration with the federal government.
“Governor Kefas said Taraba can no longer afford to remain isolated from the mainstream of national politics. He explained that his decision to realign politically was motivated by the desire to drive greater development, enhance security, and attract more federal presence to the state,” Muri stated.
The governor was quoted as saying, “I am guided by the need to put Taraba first. Our state must take its rightful place in national development, and that can only happen when we work hand in hand with the centre.”
APC youth stakeholders commended the governor for his courage and foresight, applauding his decision to prioritise the interests of Tarabians above party politics.
Governor Kefas was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has governed Taraba State since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
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