The Digest:
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has dismissed allegations that he received financial inducement to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking to State House correspondents after his first meeting with President Tinubu at Aso Rock Villa, Kefas stated, "My decision was based on what is best for Taraba State and its future. Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC." He described the switch as a "carefully considered step to improve cooperation and development outcomes." Kefas expressed confidence in delivering Taraba State to Tinubu in the 2027 election, declaring: "Taraba is for him, and he's going to get nothing less than 100 per cent." He attributed this optimism to grassroots projects and policies that have strengthened public trust. The governor, elected on the PDP platform in 2023, formally defected to the APC on January 31, 2026.
Key Points:
- Kefas's denial seeks to counter narratives of transactional politics in defections.
- His 100% delivery pledge demonstrates loyalty to Tinubu and the APC ahead of 2027.
- Kefas gains presidential access, while APC strengthens its foothold in Taraba.
- This signals the ruling party's aggressive strategy to absorb opposition governors.
- The timing, post-defection, reinforces commitment to the new party.
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, State House
