Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has said his defection to the All Progressives Congress is not about power but purpose and the interest of the state.
The governor said his defection was driven by service rather than personal ambition, describing it as a mission aimed at delivering sustainable development to the people.
Kefas officially joined the APC on Saturday after dumping the Peoples Democratic Party.
He was formally received by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Shettima, who received the governor on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, described the development as a moment of pride for the party and the nation, praising Kefas for his “inclusive leadership style and commitment to development.”
The Vice President said the APC was conceived as a broad platform for development-driven Nigerians, adding that Kefas’ decision to join the party was timely and in line with its founding ideals.
“We believe nations endure when they acknowledge their strengths. Taraba State is an integral part of Nigeria, blessed with enormous potential for national growth.
“The APC was built as a meeting point for people committed to development. Today, it is a thing of pride that Taraba has joined this fold. We welcome our brother home because, in truth, he has always been with us,” Shettima said.
He commended Kefas for his understanding of Taraba’s ethnic and religious diversity and his efforts to promote unity in the state, urging residents to rally behind the governor to advance development.
Shettima also declared Kefas the undisputed leader of the APC in the state.
In his remarks, Yilwatda described the governor’s defection as timely, courageous, and in the best interest of the people.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the APC chairman said Kefas’ decision would unlock the state’s vast economic and developmental potential, assuring party members of fairness and inclusiveness.
According to him, the development implies that the ruling party now has 30 governors as members of the Progressive Governors Forum and is poised to welcome more Nigerians.
He noted that Kefas’ decision to align with the ruling party at the centre positions Taraba to benefit fully from federal programmes, policies, and interventions of the Tinubu administration.
“The APC is the party at the centre, and in my Father’s house there are many mansions.
“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 said.
Responding, Kefas thanked the national leadership of the party and the Federal Government, saying his decision to join the APC was taken in the best interest of the state.
“We will not dwell on the past. We will work together to redefine the future we desire for ourselves, our children, and generations yet unborn,” the governor said.
“This is not about power, but purpose. We must align to deliver development. I will not abandon the mandate given to me; rather, I will strengthen it and ensure fairness to all,” he added.
The governor also praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a leader who understands governance and delivers results, while declaring Taraba State open for development and investment.