President Bola Tinubu has declared that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress remain the undisputed leaders of the party in their respective states, reaffirming the party’s power structure following recent defections. He said party leadership at the state level naturally rests with sitting governors.
Tinubu made the declaration at the official reception of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, into the APC in Jalingo, where he formally recognised the governor as the party leader in the state following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party. The president, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the move marked a new political direction for Taraba.
He assured the governor of the full support of the federal government, expressing confidence that the defection would accelerate development in the state. Tinubu said Kefas had shown commitment to uniting Taraba and managing its diversity to promote peace, stability and inclusive governance.
The president also called on the people of Taraba to rally behind the governor, urging them to support his administration in delivering meaningful progress. He welcomed the growing influence of the APC in the North-East and appealed to other states in the zone to align with the ruling party at the centre.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described Kefas’ decision to join the APC as bold and strategic, saying the governor had chosen a platform capable of driving economic growth and empowering youths and women. He assured party members of fairness and inclusiveness, advising the governor to unite the party and avoid discrimination.
In his remarks, Governor Kefas said his defection was driven by the interests of Taraba people rather than personal ambition. He pledged to use the opportunity to create jobs, support businesses and tackle insecurity, stressing his commitment to discipline, patriotism and tangible results in governance.
