The chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Ibrahim Tukur, has confirmed that the state governor, Agbu Kefas, will formally join the party in January 2026. The delay in the formal reception follows a postponement from the originally planned November date, reflecting changes in the political calendar and national sentiments.
During a press conference in the state capital, Jalingo, Tukur stated that although Governor Kefas was admitted into APC at the ward level, the grand formal induction would now be deferred until January. He explained the decision was influenced by the heavy schedule of end-of-year festivities, including Christmas and New Year, which he said would make it inconvenient for mobilisation across the state.
According to Tukur, all necessary procedures for the governor’s membership have been completed: Kefas reportedly submitted a resignation letter to his ward executives, and the ward has acknowledged his defection. As far as party records are concerned, he is already regarded as a bona fide APC member.
Notably, the shift in allegiance has triggered a wider realignment within Taraba’s political landscape. Tukur disclosed that fifteen members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, along with the entire state executive council, have also defected to APC. This mass movement effectively ends decades of dominance by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Observers see the shift as a strategic recalibration by the governor and his allies — a bid to align Taraba State more closely with the centre, potentially unlocking greater access to federal resources, infrastructural investments, and development programmes under the APC-led federal administration. For many supporters, the move raises hopes that the state might benefit from accelerated development in areas such as infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and more.
However, the path to this political reorientation has not been smooth. The planned defection ceremony — originally scheduled for 19 November — was postponed following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State. Governor Kefas called off the event, saying it would be insensitive to proceed with political celebrations at a time of national mourning. The APC, in turn, suspended the reception, indicating that a new date would be announced later.
The decision by the governor and his supporters to delay the formal induction has been framed as a gesture of solidarity and national responsibility, demonstrating sensitivity to security challenges facing the country. At the same time, party insiders insist that the defection remains firm — with final formalities merely rescheduled rather than cancelled.
As preparations now turn toward January 2026, attention will focus on how this new alignment transforms governance and political dynamics in Taraba. With the state’s House of Assembly and executive council also having switched allegiance, many wonder what the future holds for opposition politics in Taraba. Meanwhile, supporters of the move hope the realignment will translate into tangible development dividends and improved federal cooperation for the state.
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