4, November 2025/Naija 247news
Political tension is rising in Taraba State as top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday paid a surprise visit to the Taraba Government House in Jalingo to meet with Governor Agbu Kefas. The high-profile meeting has reignited speculation that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor may be on the verge of defecting to the ruling party at the national level.
Power Moves and Political Realignment
The meeting, described as both strategic and symbolic, was attended by some of Taraba’s most influential APC leaders, including former Minister of Power, Engr. Mamman Saleh, Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf, and several other political heavyweights who once contested the governorship ticket under the APC platform.
Sources close to the Government House confirmed that the talks were held behind closed doors and centered on “the need to work together for the overall development of Taraba State.” However, insiders revealed that the real agenda revolved around ongoing consultations aimed at convincing Governor Kefas to cross over to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Kefas, who has in recent months drawn attention for his growing ties with key APC figures in the North-East region, reportedly welcomed the delegation warmly, describing their visit as a “friendly engagement among patriots committed to the progress of Taraba.”
Speaking during the visit, Kefas was quoted as saying, “Political parties are merely vehicles for delivering governance. What truly matters is the welfare of our people. We must build bridges, not walls, if we are serious about development.”
While he stopped short of confirming any plans to defect, his tone and choice of words further fueled speculation that a major political realignment may be imminent in the state.
Political Analysts Read Between the Lines
Political observers have not taken Kefas’ diplomatic comments lightly. Many analysts believe that the Taraba governor, known for his pragmatic political approach, may be positioning himself for relevance within the national power structure dominated by the APC.
According to political analyst Musa Ibrahim, “Governor Kefas’ actions in the past few months point to a calculated political strategy. His open alignment with federal policies, regular communication with APC governors, and recent attendance at APC-hosted events all signal that his defection is only a matter of timing.”
Ibrahim added that Kefas’ potential defection would dramatically reshape Taraba’s political landscape, which has been a stronghold of the PDP since 1999. “If Kefas moves to the APC, it will not only weaken the PDP in Taraba but also alter the balance of power in the North-East ahead of 2027,” he said.
Mixed Reactions From Party Stakeholders
The development has elicited mixed reactions among both PDP and APC faithful in the state. While some PDP members dismissed the visit as “a normal political courtesy,” others expressed concerns that the party might lose one of its most influential leaders in the region.
A senior PDP official in Jalingo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “worrying,” noting that the governor’s silence over the defection rumours has made it difficult to gauge his next political move.
“If the governor defects, it will be a major blow to the PDP in Taraba. He has a solid structure, grassroots support, and administrative control. The PDP will have to work extra hard to stay afloat,” the source said.
On the other hand, APC members in the state are reportedly excited about the prospect of welcoming Governor Kefas into their fold. A senior APC member, Hon. Usman Garba, told reporters that Kefas’ leadership style aligns with the party’s development vision. “We believe his joining the APC will strengthen our base and attract more progressive minds. Governor Kefas has demonstrated capacity, and we are open to working with him,” he stated.
A Governor at a Political Crossroads
Governor Kefas’ rising popularity across party lines has placed him at the center of an unfolding political drama. While he has publicly maintained loyalty to the PDP, his recent body language and political engagements have left many in doubt about his long-term commitment to the party.
Political watchers recall that similar moves in the past—such as when several PDP governors defected to the APC before the 2015 elections—reshaped the national political equation. Some insiders believe that Kefas might follow the same path if the PDP continues to struggle with internal divisions.
As the political atmosphere in Taraba continues to heat up, all eyes are now on Governor Agbu Kefas. Whether he chooses to remain within the PDP or cross over to the APC, his decision will have far-reaching consequences for both his political career and the future of the state’s political structure.
For now, the governor remains publicly silent, but his recent engagements suggest that Taraba may soon witness one of the most significant political defections in recent years — one that could redefine the state’s political identity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Reporting by Favor Akpan, News Writer in Lagos, Nigeria.
