Taraba Governor Vows to Deliver State to Tinubu in 2027 Despite PDP Grumblings

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has expressed confidence in delivering his state to President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections, dismissing concerns over discontent among some Peoples Democratic Party loyalists following his defection to the ruling party.

Speaking to State House correspondents on Wednesday after his inaugural meeting with the President since formally joining the APC on January 31, 2026, Kefas asserted that his grassroots support remains unwavering.

“You know where I’m coming from. You know my background, military strategic intelligence. And we don’t just do things like that,” the governor stated.

“We have done all our mapping, our planning, and I’m on the ground, and I have the people. The people have me, and I’ve always told them I have no business being in government than for them.”

Kefas confidently predicted a sweeping victory for the President in Taraba, declaring: “I have already won the mandate of the local, and I don’t think delivering Mr President and myself will be a difficult job. Taraba is for him, and he’s going to get nothing less than 100 per cent.”

The governor’s remarks came in response to media reports suggesting that some former PDP supporters had taken to social media to express dissatisfaction with his defection, particularly over his alignment with certain individuals they consider controversial.

Kefas, who switched parties alongside members of the State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, all 16 local government chairmen, and numerous appointees, dismissed the reports, insisting his bond with Taraba residents remains intact.

Meeting with President Tinubu

The governor disclosed that his discussions with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa centred on strategic issues affecting his state and the nation.

“This is not the first time meeting with Mr President. But since my movement to the ruling party, I’ve not seen Mr President,” Kefas explained.

“So I decided to come and see him and discuss some strategic issues concerning security, concerning the welfare of the people of Taraba State, and also support for Nigeria. It was a very meaningful discussion, and this is what we keep doing from time to time to strengthen the relationship between the subnational and the Federal.”

According to Kefas, Tinubu expressed satisfaction with his performance and demonstrated “very strong interest” in Taraba’s development, particularly its agricultural potential.

“Taraba State has a lot of natural resources. We have very large portions of arable land for farming. And as you know, agriculture is one of the very strong drives for Mr President, and Taraba State is one of those states that can contribute meaningfully to that,” he said.

Agricultural Advancement and Security Improvements

The governor provided updates on his administration’s mechanised farming programme, a key campaign promise ahead of his 2023 election, noting significant increases in crop yields following the importation and deployment of tractors across the state.

“The yield from farming, in terms of mechanised farming in Taraba State, has increased tremendously. We have imported a lot of tractors on the ground, and people are using those tractors to farm. So we’re making progress,” Kefas reported.

He indicated that the next phase would involve establishing processing plants within the state to add value to locally produced crops. “What we need to move to is the next level, where we have processing plants to process those crops within the state. So in the near future, we’re going to see that in action,” he added.

On security, the governor painted an improving picture, noting that residents can now move freely compared to the climate of fear that previously prevailed.

“Before I came into this position, it was very difficult to stay out at 4 pm, and I know that we have some indigenes of Taraba State here with you,” Kefas said.

“But now you can move freely in Taraba State. You can move without security in Taraba State, but you can’t rule out a few areas where you have some security issues, and you have some crime. You can’t get it 100 per cent, but I want to assure you that at least we have peace in Taraba.”

Defection Background

Kefas, originally elected on the PDP platform in 2023, initially scheduled his defection to the APC for November 19, 2025, but postponed the ceremony following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, deeming it “insensitive” to proceed during a national tragedy.

The defection was formally consummated on January 31, 2026, when Vice President Kashim Shettima received him at a grand ceremony at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, the state capital.

The event, which drew party leaders and supporters from across Taraba’s 16 local government areas, was described by Shettima as “a moment of pride for the party and the nation.” APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, hailed the move as a major boost that would unlock the state’s economic and developmental potential.

Kefas became the fifth PDP governor to defect to the APC in 2025, following Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa.