Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has dismissed allegations that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was financially motivated, declaring that no money changed hands.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Kefas described his political shift as strategic and development-driven.
“Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC,” the governor said, insisting that his decision was based on conviction and the need to align Taraba State more closely with the Federal Government.
Kefas also dismissed speculations of a rift between him and former Defence Minister, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, popularly known as T.Y. Danjuma.
“I don’t have any problem with T.Y. Danjuma. He is my father. Since we started politics, nothing has ever come between us,” he stated.
The governor said he personally informed the retired Army general before defecting and secured his blessing. According to him, Danjuma though not affiliated with any political party assured him of continued goodwill and support.
Kefas described a recent visit to Danjuma as symbolic and personal, aimed at reaffirming their long-standing relationship rooted in shared military and political experience.
Expressing confidence ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Kefas declared that President Tinubu would win Taraba State.
“Delivering Taraba will not be difficult because our policies are already impacting the grassroots,” he said, citing improvements in security, governance and agriculture.
The governor revealed that discussions with the President focused on strengthening collaboration in security, agriculture and citizens’ welfare. He described the meeting as “very meaningful,” noting it was his first formal engagement with Tinubu since joining the APC.
On security, Kefas said Taraba has become relatively safer under his watch, with reduced incidents of violence and improved freedom of movement for residents.
In agriculture, he highlighted the introduction of mechanised farming through the importation of tractors and modern equipment, boosting productivity. The next phase, he said, will focus on establishing local processing facilities to promote value addition, strengthen supply chains and create jobs.
Kefas’ defection between late 2025 and early 2026 has reshaped Taraba’s political landscape, traditionally dominated by the PDP.
While supporters view the move as pragmatic alignment for development, critics have labelled it politically calculated. Nonetheless, a growing wave of defections by state lawmakers, council chairmen and party executives suggests a shifting balance of power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Urging unity, the governor referenced the convergence of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as a moment for prayer, peace and renewed commitment to national development.