By Daniel Sola, Jalingo
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to welcome another sitting governor from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas prepares to defect in what aides describe as a strategic political realignment.
The confirmation came from Josiah Kente, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters and Special Duties, who told journalists in Jalingo on Tuesday that the decision aims to secure Taraba’s place in national development and ensure greater access to federal opportunities.
“This call is anchored not on partisan interest but on the collective aspiration of the people of Taraba for sustainable progress, infrastructural transformation, and inclusion in national affairs,” Kente stated.
He praised Kefas’ achievements under the Moving Forward Agenda, noting advancements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, and argued that alignment with the ruling party would amplify these efforts through increased federal support.
“With the Governor’s alignment to the APC, Taraba stands to benefit from an enhanced federal presence — from road and bridge projects to hospitals and security interventions,” he added.
The development follows weeks of speculation, youth rallies, and consultations with political stakeholders across Taraba. A special committee co-chaired by former Senator Dahiru Bako was recently inaugurated to assess public opinion on the governor’s potential move.
If the defection is finalized, it would mark the end of PDP’s 26-year dominance in Taraba since 1999.
Analysts say the shift could trigger a wave of political realignments, with several lawmakers and appointees expected to follow the governor into the APC.
The move is also expected to reshape the 2027 political landscape, as it strengthens APC’s foothold in the North-East and deepens the crisis within the opposition PDP, which has suffered a string of recent losses.
PDP’s internal troubles continue to mount, with reports of growing discontent among northern stakeholders. The party’s former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, recently threatened legal action after being denied a national chairmanship form.
Meanwhile, rumors of possible defections by governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa) have further heightened tensions.
PDP National Chairman Abubakar Bawa dismissed the defection reports as “APC affairs,” insisting the opposition remains united. But sources within the party warn the latest development could inflict lasting damage on its already fragile structure.
Governor Kefas, elected under the PDP platform in 2023, has not yet issued an official statement. However, insiders close to the Taraba Government House say preparations for his formal declaration are already underway, a move that could significantly alter Nigeria’s political map ahead of the 2027 elections.
