Why I Defected to APC — Taraba Governor

ByEditor

Jan 31, 2026 #Agbu Kefas, #APC defection, #Bola Tinubu, #Kassim Shettima, #Nigerian governors, #Nigerian politics, #PDP to APC, #political accountability, #political shift, #Taraba governor, #Taraba progress

Malik Yahya/

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as one motivated by purpose rather than politics.

In a statement shared on social media, the governor said: “Today, I officially declared my movement to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This event, originally scheduled for November 19, 2025, was respectfully postponed in solidarity with the people of Kebbi and other affected states following the tragic abduction of school children.

“As a father, and a leader, I could not, in good conscience, proceed with celebration while others mourned.”

Addressing his former party, he expressed gratitude, stating: “To the PDP, I say thank you for the platform.”

He also welcomed his new political family, adding: “To the APC, I say thank you for the opportunity and handing us the broom. We shall sweep away every trace of poverty, division, and backwardness.”

On the motivation behind his defection, the governor emphasised that it was not driven by personal ambition.

“We did not move because of politics. We did it for posterity. We did not shift for power, we shifted for a purpose,” he said.

He further clarified: “Not with bitterness but with boldness. Not with ambition but with accountability. Not for myself but for Taraba.”

The governor also extended appreciation to national leaders, saying: “I appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kassim Shettima, and the National leadership of APC for this great and progressive movement for the future of Taraba State.”

Concluding his statement, he prayed for the wellbeing of both his state and the nation: “God bless Taraba State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”