The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has described the defection of Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC as the most significant political gain for the state.
Professor Yilwatda stated this on Saturday in Jalingo, the state capital, at a reception organised to formally welcome Governor Kefas into the APC.
He said Taraba State would benefit immensely from aligning with the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to the APC chairman, Governor Kefas “did nothing wrong” by joining the party, stressing that the APC offers renewed hope and opportunities for the people of the state.
He urged those who were yet to join the party to follow the governor’s example in the interest of development.
Yilwatda assured party members that both new and old members of the APC enjoy equal rights, adding that the party’s leadership would continue to strengthen its structures nationwide and attract more governors from other political parties.
In his remarks, Governor Kefas, who appeared visibly elated, said his decision to defect to the APC was deliberate and aimed at connecting Taraba State to the government at the centre.
“This move is not for me but for the people of Taraba State,” the governor said, adding that unity among the people was essential for his administration to deliver the dividends of democracy.
“We must align with the centre to benefit from all that is needed for our development. I am not here for survival but for service. I will not abandon our mandate; rather, I will strengthen it because Taraba is open for progress,” he stated.
Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima described Governor Kefas’ defection to the APC as “personally touching,” noting that the governor had made the right decision.
He called on the people of Taraba State to rally behind the governor to enable the delivery of much-needed development across the state.
The defection ceremony, as reported by Daily Post, attracted several top political figures, including APC governors, members of the National Assembly, ministers, and other party leaders.
