Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas Registers with APC, Signals Imminent Defection from PDP

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained another prominent political figure as Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has officially registered as a member of the ruling party, marking a decisive step toward his formal defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Governor Kefas completed his registration at his ward, Hospital Ward, in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, where he received his APC membership card from the ward chairman. The development confirms weeks of speculation about his political future and signals a significant realignment in the state’s political landscape.

Speaking shortly after registering, the governor disclosed that a new date would soon be announced for his official defection ceremony. He explained that the earlier planned transition had been postponed and assured party members that arrangements were being concluded for a formal event.

Kefas, who was accompanied by party executives during the registration, pledged to work toward transforming Taraba State and promoting inclusive governance that would deliver greater dividends of democracy to the people. He said his decision to join the APC was guided by the broader interests and future of the state.

The governor had initially fixed November 19 for his official defection from the PDP to the APC but later postponed the event following the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi State, citing the need for national sensitivity at the time. He had described the planned movement as being about the destiny of the people of Taraba and revealed that a large number of dignitaries were expected to attend the ceremony.

Kefas’ move comes amid growing political shifts in Taraba, as just days before the postponed defection date, the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, John Kizito, alongside 15 other lawmakers, defected from the PDP to the APC. The lawmakers attributed their decision to internal crises within the PDP at both state and national levels, as well as the need to align the state with the federal government.

The governor’s decision further deepens the crisis within the PDP, which has witnessed a wave of high-profile defections in recent months. The exodus has raised concerns about the party’s cohesion and electoral strength ahead of future contests.

In November, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri defected from the PDP to the APC after weeks of intense speculation, signalling a major political shift in the South-South region. His defection followed similar moves earlier in the year by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, all of whom also joined the APC.

With Governor Kefas’ registration, the APC continues to consolidate its influence across key states, while the PDP grapples with an escalating internal crisis and the loss of some of its most prominent leaders.