The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday, 31 January, 2025, witnessed a historic and massive reception in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, as the Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, was officially welcomed into the ruling party.
In a symbolic and defining moment, the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, formally presented the party’s flag to Governor Kefas, thereby affirming him as the leader of the APC in Taraba State.
With this development, the ruling party has 30 governors as members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum. The party is poised to receive more Nigerians.
The event attracted party leaders, stakeholders, supporters, and citizens from across the state, underscoring the widespread acceptance of the governor’s decision.
Welcoming the Governor, Professor Yilwatda described the move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC as timely, courageous, and in the best interest of the people of Taraba State. He noted that Governor Kefas’ decision to align with the ruling party at the centre positions Taraba to fully benefit from federal programmes, policies, and interventions under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The APC is the party at the centre, and in my Father’s house there are many mansions,” the National Chairman said. “There is room for every Nigerian who is willing to come into the APC. Those who are still outside, our message is simple: come to the centre, there are many mansions for you. In the APC, all states and all people are equal, and Taraba is as important as every other APC-governed state.”
He assured the people of Taraba State that with this alignment, the benefits of the Federal Government would increasingly flow into the state, accelerating development across key sectors.
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, described the reception of the Governor of Taraba State into the ruling party as a moment of collective joy for the party’s leadership nationwide.
Speaking at the official welcoming ceremony for Governor Agbu Kefas in Jalingo, Senator Basiru said the event symbolised the growing strength and national appeal of the APC.
“On behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC), it is our joy to be here together with the Vice President, governors, and the leadership of the National Assembly to receive the Governor of Taraba State into our great party,” Basiru stated.
He noted that the APC has evolved into the largest political party in Africa, with a reach and membership base that surpasses that of many sovereign nations.
“The APC has become the largest party. I can confidently say that our party is larger than over 120 countries of the world in terms of spread and acceptance. The APC is truly a pan-Nigerian party,” he said.
Governor Agbu Kefas, in his address, said his decision to join the APC was not about politics for its own sake, but about purpose, mission, and the future of Taraba State.
“Today, I stand before you not to make noise, but to make meaning; not to play politics, but to lead with focus,” the governor declared.
“This programme was earlier scheduled for last year but was shifted in solidarity with the people of Kebbi State during the unfortunate kidnapping of their children. We thank God for the safe return of those children.”
Responding to narratives around defection, Governor Kefas stressed that his move was driven purely by the interest of the people.
“Some say this is defection. I say to you, it is about mission. I took this decision for the people of Taraba State — for our youths and the development of their potential; for our women, so they can truly feel a sense of belonging; for our farmers, to boost productivity and ensure food security; and for the rapid development of infrastructure across all sectors.”
The governor further assured that his decision was not borne out of political survival but a genuine desire to fast-track development.
“I am not in the APC for survival; I am here for the progress of Taraba State. I will not abandon our collective will. I understand what it means to lead the people,” he said.
Governor Kefas concluded by boldly declaring his commitment to the APC and to the people of Taraba State.
“We are moving to the APC to strengthen and actualise our programmes. I declare my movement with boldness and with total commitment to making life better for the people of Taraba State.”
The event marks a major political milestone for the APC in Taraba State and reinforces the growing momentum of alignment with the Federal Government for inclusive growth, development, and national cohesion.
