Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, on Saturday confirmed that he will formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, describing the move as a strategic step for the development of the state.
Kefas disclosed this while inspecting the ongoing renovation of the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo, which has been selected as the venue for the defection rally expected to attract top political figures from across the country.
“This transition is about the destiny of Taraba people,” the governor said during the visit.
“On November 19, I will officially join the APC. We are expecting many visitors, and my speech on that day will address every question people may have.”
The governor declined to confirm whether he was given any conditions by the APC before his defection, insisting that residents should wait for his address at the event.
Members of the Taraba State Executive Council have pledged their full support for the governor’s decision.
The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Muslim Aruwa, who spoke on behalf of the council, said the cabinet stands firmly with Kefas.
“The governor is our leader. Wherever he goes, we follow — whether APC, SDP or ADC,” Aruwa said.
“This alignment with the Federal Government is for the benefit of Tarabans. It is not about personal interest but about bringing development to the state. We are with him 100 percent.”
Kefas’s planned move comes amid a wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC — a development that has triggered allegations of massive financial inducements.
An online media had recently reported that the Presidency allegedly coordinated a N250 billion package for each defecting governor, released in two tranches: N100 billion upfront and N150 billion after the formal defection.
Lawmakers were reportedly offered lesser amounts — N1 billion for senators and N500 million for members of the House of Representatives.
Though the Presidency has not officially responded to these allegations, the claims have continued to fuel debates over the motive behind the widespread defections.
If Kefas completes his move on Wednesday, he will join the growing list of PDP governors who have crossed to the APC in 2025.
Recent defectors include: Peter Mbah – Enugu ; Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta ; Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom and Douye Diri – Bayelsa
Diri’s exit early November brought the number of APC governors to 25, further strengthening the ruling party’s hold across the country.
Kefas, who has yet to publicly address the alleged financial inducement claims, maintains that his defection is anchored solely on securing a “better future” for Taraba people.
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