Political tension is mounting in Taraba State as speculation deepens that Governor Agbu Kefas may be preparing to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Though there has been no official announcement, Governor Kefas’ recent cordial interactions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have triggered intense discussions among political observers and party members across the state.
Several analysts have pointed to the governor’s regular meetings with the president, both in public and behind closed doors, as a signal of possible realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources familiar with the political situation in Taraba said Kefas’ move might be aimed at strengthening the state’s relationship with the federal government to attract more developmental projects.
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One of the sources noted that the state had experienced delays in major federal initiatives, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, which could be influencing the governor’s political calculations.
“The writing may already be on the wall. With 2027 drawing closer, it’s not strange to see politicians adjusting their positions. If Governor Kefas decides to switch camps, it may be more about enhancing Taraba’s federal cooperation than about party politics.”
Adding to the ongoing debate, a civic organisation, the Concerned Taraba Youth Group, publicly urged Governor Kefas to join the APC, claiming that alignment with the federal government could fast-track long-delayed projects in the state.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the group’s spokesperson, Shedrack Iremiya Gani, said the people of Taraba had endured years of federal neglect and deserved renewed attention from Abuja.
“Considering the continued deterioration and abandonment of federal projects in Taraba, we appeal to Governor Agbu Kefas to align with President Bola Tinubu in order to attract greater federal presence,” Gani said.
He added that “the Mambilla Hydro Power Project and the Zing–Jalingo–Wukari road remain uncompleted, leaving our state behind. The time has come for the governor to make history by joining the APC.”
Within the APC, senior figures have expressed optimism about the possibility of new high-profile defections from the PDP, which has dominated Taraba politics since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
A senior APC chieftain, who asked not to be named, disclosed that the party had been in contact with several opposition leaders across the North-East, including in Taraba.
“While I won’t name names, I can tell you that a lot of big fish from the PDP will soon join forces with the APC,” he said.
“We’re in close discussions with several leaders, and the developments you’ll soon see will reshape the political scene.”
Although the party insider refused to confirm if Governor Kefas was directly involved in such talks, his remarks have fuelled the growing belief that the Taraba governor might be considering a major political shift.
If Governor Kefas crosses to the APC, the development could mark a turning point in Taraba politics, long considered a stronghold of the PDP.
Political observers say such a defection could tilt the balance of power ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially altering political alliances and voter loyalties across the state.
Analysts believe Kefas’ move to the APC could boost his influence within national politics while giving Taraba greater access to federal projects and appointments.
However, it could also provoke resistance from his PDP loyalists, many of whom have invested heavily in maintaining the party’s dominance across the state.
For now, Governor Kefas has not issued any statement in response to the mounting rumours surrounding his political future.
But with whispers growing louder in Government House, Jalingo, and mounting expectations among both supporters and critics, all eyes remain on the Taraba governor and the next chapter in his political journey.
Political watchers say the coming weeks may prove decisive, as Governor Agbu Kefas weighs whether to remain with the PDP or take a bold leap into the APC fold.
