President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) remain the party’s leaders in their respective states.
Tinubu made the assertion on Saturday during the official reception of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, into the APC in Jalingo.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima, the president announced that Kefas had automatically assumed the leadership of the party in Taraba following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
He pledged the full support of the Federal Government for the governor and his cabinet in driving development across the state. Tinubu also commended Kefas for his efforts to foster unity and harmonise the diverse interests within Taraba to promote peace and progress.
The president urged residents of the state to rally behind the governor to ensure the success of his administration.
Tinubu further expressed delight over the defection of a governor from the North-East geopolitical zone, calling on Adamawa and Bauchi states to also align with the party at the centre.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, praised Kefas for what he described as a bold and courageous decision to join the ruling party.
Yilwatda said the governor made the right choice by leaving what he termed a “sinking” PDP for the APC, noting that the move would enhance economic growth and empower youths and women in the state.
He added that Taraba had now become an integral part of the ruling party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He assured all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), both old and new, of equal opportunities in the party’s activities, urging the governor to be fair and inclusive in his leadership.
He also advised the governor to work towards uniting the party and to avoid any form of discrimination.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, congratulated the people of Taraba State and the governor, noting that the defection would bring greater developmental benefits to the state, particularly in infrastructure development and improved security.
Represented by the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibril, Akpabio said the governor’s decision to join the APC would place Taraba on equal footing in accessing opportunities at the national level.
Gov. Agbu Kefas said the event marked a turning point in shaping the future of Taraba State, urging the people to look ahead rather than dwell on the past.
He stressed that the decision to defect was taken in the interest of the people, not for personal gain.
“This move is aimed at creating jobs for the unemployed and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs, while serving the state with commitment, discipline and patriotism to deliver tangible results,” he said.
The governor expressed gratitude to the APC for accepting him and symbolically received the party’s broom, which he said would be used to sweep away division, poverty, tribalism and insecurity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Kefas was elected governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 governorship election.
He defected to the APC in 2025 and has since obtained his party membership card. (NAN)