APC Storms Taraba: Governor Agbu Kefas Dumps PDP, Receives Party Flag In Jalingo As APC Hits 30 Governors

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday recorded a major political breakthrough as it received the Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, into the ruling party amid a massive and historic reception in Jalingo, the state capital.

In a symbolic moment that underscored the significance of the occasion, the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, formally presented the party’s flag to Governor Kefas, officially affirming him as the leader of the APC in Taraba State.

With Governor Kefas’ entry, the APC now boasts 30 governors under the Progressive Governors Forum, further consolidating its position as Nigeria’s dominant political force and signalling readiness to welcome more Nigerians into its fold.

The colourful event attracted top party leaders, governors, National Assembly members, stakeholders, supporters, and citizens from across Taraba State, reflecting widespread acceptance of the governor’s decision.

Welcoming Governor Kefas, Professor Yilwatda described the move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC as timely, courageous, and people-driven, noting that the alignment places Taraba State in a stronger position to benefit from federal programmes and interventions under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The APC is the party at the centre, and in my Father’s house, there are many mansions,” Yilwatda said. “There is room for every Nigerian who is willing to come into the APC. In the APC, all states and all people are equal, and Taraba is as important as every other APC-governed state.”

He assured the people of Taraba State that the new political alignment would unlock increased federal presence and accelerate development across critical sectors.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, described the governor’s reception as a moment of collective joy for the party nationwide, noting that it symbolised the growing strength and national appeal of the APC.

“On behalf of the National Working Committee, it is our joy to be here with the Vice President, governors, and the leadership of the National Assembly to receive the Governor of Taraba State into our great party,” Basiru said.

He added that the APC has evolved into the largest political party in Africa, with a spread and membership base surpassing that of many sovereign nations.

In his address, Governor Agbu Kefas said his decision to join the APC was driven not by politics for its own sake but by purpose, mission, and the future of Taraba State.
“Today, I stand before you not to make noise, but to make meaning; not to play politics, but to lead with focus,” the governor declared, explaining that the event had earlier been postponed in solidarity with Kebbi State during the kidnapping of schoolchildren.

Addressing narratives surrounding defection, Governor Kefas insisted that his decision was purely about the interest of the people.

“This is not about survival. It is about progress — for our youths, our women, our farmers, and the rapid development of infrastructure across Taraba State,” he said.
He concluded by declaring his full commitment to the APC and to delivering tangible dividends of democracy to the people of Taraba State.

“We are moving to the APC to strengthen and actualise our programmes. I declare my movement with boldness and total commitment to making life better for the people of Taraba State,” the governor affirmed.

The event marks a major political milestone for the APC in Taraba State and reinforces the growing momentum of alignment with the federal government in pursuit of inclusive growth, development, and national cohesion.