Author: Gist Correspondent

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) remain the party’s leaders in their respective states, stressing that party structure naturally aligns with executive leadership at the state level.

Tinubu made the declaration on Saturday during the official reception of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, into the APC, held in Jalingo. The President was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

According to Tinubu, Governor Kefas has automatically assumed leadership of the APC in Taraba State following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party. He assured the governor of the full support of the Federal Government in advancing development initiatives across the state.

The President commended Kefas for his efforts at fostering unity and harmonising the diverse interests within Taraba State, noting that peace and inclusiveness were critical to sustainable development. He urged the people of the state to rally behind the governor to enable him to deliver on his mandate.

Expressing satisfaction with the defection of a governor from the North-East geopolitical zone, Tinubu called on other states in the region, particularly Adamawa and Bauchi, to align with the ruling party at the centre.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yelwatda, praised Governor Kefas for what he described as a courageous and strategic decision to join the APC. He said the governor made the right choice by leaving what he termed a “sinking PDP” for the ruling party.

Yelwatda noted that the defection would open greater economic opportunities for Taraba State, particularly for youths and women, and position the state firmly within the winning political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. He assured both old and new party members of equal opportunities within the APC, urging the governor to promote unity and inclusiveness.

Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril, congratulated the people of Taraba State and Governor Kefas, saying the defection would accelerate development, enhance infrastructure and strengthen security in the state.

Akpabio added that joining the APC would enable Taraba State to enjoy equal opportunities in national governance and access to federal support.

In his remarks, Governor Kefas described the event as a defining moment for the future of Taraba State, urging the people to look beyond the past and focus on collective progress.

He said his decision to defect was driven by the interest of the people, not personal ambition, adding that the move was aimed at creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurs and delivering tangible dividends of democracy.

“The move is to bring jobs for the jobless and business opportunities for entrepreneurs, to serve the state with discipline, patriotism and measurable results,” the governor said.

Kefas thanked the APC for accepting him into the party, saying the broom symbolised his resolve to sweep away division, poverty, tribalism and insecurity in the state.

Our Correspondent recalls that Kefas was elected governor on the platform of the PDP in the 2023 governorship election before defecting to the APC in 2025, where he has since obtained his membership card.