President Bola Tinubu has affirmed that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are the undisputed leaders of the party in their respective states, reinforcing the party’s internal structure and authority at the subnational level.
The declaration was made on Saturday in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, during the official reception of Governor Agbu Kefas into the APC.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu announced that Kefas had automatically assumed the leadership of the APC in Taraba by virtue of his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Tinubu expressed his administration’s resolve to work closely with the Taraba governor and his cabinet to deliver tangible development outcomes across the state.
He commended Kefas for what he described as deliberate efforts to foster unity and harmonise the state’s diverse interests, stressing that cohesion remains essential for sustainable progress.
The president urged residents of Taraba to rally behind the governor, saying broad-based support would be crucial to the success of the new political alignment. He also welcomed the defection as a strategic boost for the APC in the North-East geopolitical zone, calling on neighbouring Adamawa and Bauchi states to align with the party at the centre.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yelwatda, praised Kefas for what he described as a courageous political decision, insisting the governor did not err by leaving the PDP for the ruling party.
He characterised the move as a significant gain for Taraba, arguing that it would enhance economic activity and expand opportunities for youths and women in the state.
Yelwatda assured both longstanding and new APC members of equal opportunities within the party, advising the governor to lead inclusively and accommodate all tendencies.
He added that the development positioned Taraba firmly within the APC’s “winning platform” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril, congratulated the people of Taraba and the governor, noting that the defection would accelerate infrastructure development and strengthen security in the state. According to him, alignment with the ruling party would ensure Taraba enjoys equal access to national opportunities.
In his remarks, Kefas said his decision to join the APC was motivated by the interests of Taraba residents rather than personal ambition. He pledged to leverage the new political platform to create jobs, stimulate business opportunities, and govern with discipline and patriotism.
The governor thanked the APC for welcoming him, saying he had been handed the broom to “sweep away division, poverty, tribalism and insecurity.”
Kefas won the 2023 governorship election on the PDP platform. He formally defected to the APC in 2025 and has since completed his membership registration with the ruling party.