PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) automatically assume leadership of the party in their respective states, reaffirming the party’s structure amid growing waves of political defections.
News Point Nigeria reports that Tinubu made the declaration on Saturday during the official reception of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, into the APC, held in Jalingo, the state capital.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President announced that by virtue of his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, Governor Kefas has formally assumed leadership of the ruling party in Taraba State.
Tinubu expressed his administration’s readiness to support the governor and his cabinet to deliver meaningful development to the people of Taraba, noting that the state stands to benefit from alignment with the party at the centre.
He commended Kefas for his efforts at fostering unity and promoting harmony among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the state, describing such inclusiveness as critical to sustainable development.
The President urged the people of Taraba to rally behind the governor and give him the necessary support to succeed, stressing that unity and cooperation were essential for progress.
Tinubu also expressed satisfaction with the defection of a sitting governor from the North-East geopolitical zone to the APC, describing it as a positive signal for the party’s growing influence in the region.
In a subtle political message, he called on governors and political stakeholders in Adamawa and Bauchi states to also align with the ruling party at the centre.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yelwatda, praised Governor Kefas for what he described as a courageous political decision, saying the governor made the right choice by leaving what he called a “sinking PDP” for the APC.
Yelwatda described the defection as a major boost for the APC and a strategic move that would enable Taraba State to unlock greater economic opportunities, particularly for youths and women.
According to him, the decision positions Taraba as an integral part of the ruling party’s national agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He assured both old and new members of the APC of equal opportunities within the party, urging Governor Kefas to provide inclusive leadership and ensure unity without discrimination.
The APC chairman further advised the governor to work towards harmonising party interests and strengthening internal cohesion in the state.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the people of Taraba and Governor Kefas, describing the defection as a development that would accelerate infrastructural growth and enhance security in the state.
Represented by Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibril, Akpabio said Kefas’ decision to join the APC would grant Taraba equal access to national opportunities and federal interventions.
Governor Kefas, in his address, said the defection ceremony marked a turning point aimed at shaping a better future for Taraba State.
He urged residents not to dwell on the past but to focus on the future, stressing that his decision to join the APC was driven by the collective interest of the people rather than personal ambition.
“The move is to bring jobs for the jobless and business opportunities for entrepreneurs; to serve the state with discipline, patriotism and visible results,” Kefas said.
He expressed gratitude to the APC leadership for welcoming him into the party and symbolically handing him the broom, which he said would be used to sweep away division, poverty, tribalism and insecurity in the state.
This newspaper recalls that Governor Kefas was elected under the PDP platform in the 2023 governorship election but officially defected to the APC in 2025, where he has since secured his membership registration card.