By The All Progressives Congress (APC) recorded a major political milestone on Saturday in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, as Governor Agbu Kefas was formally received into the ruling party.
In a symbolic ceremony attended by top party leaders and supporters, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, officially presented the party’s flag to Governor Kefas, confirming him as the new leader of the APC in Taraba State.
With Kefas’ defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC now boasts 30 state governors under the Progressive Governors Forum, further consolidating its dominance on the national political stage.
The event drew a large crowd of party stakeholders, political leaders, and enthusiastic supporters from across Taraba State, reflecting broad acceptance of the governor’s decision to align with the ruling party.
Welcoming Governor Kefas, Professor Yilwatda described the move as courageous, timely, and in the best interest of the people of Taraba State. He noted that joining the APC places the state in a better position to benefit from federal government programmes and policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The APC is the party at the centre, and in my Father’s house there are many mansions,” Yilwatda said. “There is room for every Nigerian willing to join the APC. Those still outside should come to the centre. In the APC, all states and all people are equal, and Taraba is as important as any other APC-governed state.”
He assured residents that the alignment would attract more federal attention and development opportunities to Taraba State.
Also speaking at the event, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, described the occasion as a moment of collective joy for the party nationwide.
“On behalf of the National Working Committee, we are delighted to be here with the Vice President, governors, and National Assembly leaders to welcome the Governor of Taraba State into our great party,” Basiru said.
He further declared that the APC has grown into Africa’s largest political party.
“Our party is larger than over 120 countries in the world in terms of spread and acceptance. The APC is truly a pan-Nigerian party,” he added.
In his address, Governor Kefas explained that his decision to join the APC was driven by purpose and the desire to accelerate development in Taraba State.
“Today, I stand before you not to make noise, but to make meaning; not to play politics, but to lead with focus,” he said.
He clarified that his move was not motivated by political survival but by a commitment to the progress and welfare of the people.
“Some call it defection. I call it a mission a mission for our youths, our women, our farmers, and the overall development of Taraba State,” Kefas stated.“I am not in the APC for survival; I am here for the progress of Taraba State. I will not abandon our collective will,” he assured.
Governor Kefas concluded by pledging total commitment to the APC and to delivering meaningful development to the people of Taraba.
The high-profile event underscores the APC’s growing influence in Taraba State and signals stronger collaboration between the state government and the federal administration for inclusive growth and development.
