Defection: “Tinubu Has Handed Me Over to APC National Chairman” — PDP Governor Kefas

President Bola Tinubu has formally handed over Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, marking a decisive step in the governor’s move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

Governor Kefas revealed 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 defection plans, received his letter of intent, and approved his transition to the APC, with preparations in progress for his official unveiling in Taraba.

Comrade Abubakar Gembo, who attended the meeting, said the APC youth wing welcomed the move, describing it as a significant boost for the party in the state. He added that the governor assured the youths of inclusiveness and youth participation in governance — values he had upheld even during his time in the PDP.

Idris Ayuba, chairman of the APC Youth Vanguard in Taraba, confirmed that Kefas’s defection had been “perfected” at the national level, awaiting formal receptions at the ward, local government, and state levels. He urged members to support the governor, describing him as a youth-focused leader dedicated to empowerment and inclusion.

In a statement, the APC Youth Vanguard’s Publicity Secretary, Rikwense Muri, said the governor met with key youth leaders within the APC to discuss building a united political front aimed at accelerating Taraba’s transformation through stronger collaboration with the federal government.

According to Muri, Governor Kefas said Taraba could no longer afford to remain isolated from the mainstream of national politics. He explained that his decision to realign politically was motivated by the need for greater development, improved security, and increased federal presence in the state.

“I am guided by the need to put Taraba first,” Kefas was quoted as saying. “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 what they described as a courageous and forward-looking decision to put the collective interest of Tarabians above partisan considerations.

Governor Kefas was elected in 2023 under the platform of the PDP, which has governed Taraba since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.