Tinubu affirms APC Governors as party leaders in their states

President Bola Tinubu has declared that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are the undisputed leaders of the party in their respective states.

The President made the declaration on Saturday during the official reception of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, into the APC in Jalingo. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu stated that by defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, Governor Kefas had automatically assumed the leadership of the ruling party in Taraba State. He assured the governor of his full support, pledging to work with him and his cabinet to deliver development to the state.

The President commended Kefas for his efforts at fostering unity and managing the diverse interests across Taraba, noting that peace and inclusiveness were critical to sustainable development. He urged the people of the state to rally behind the governor and support his administration to succeed.

Expressing satisfaction over the defection of a sitting governor from the North-East geopolitical zone, Tinubu called on Adamawa and Bauchi states to also align with the APC-led federal government.

Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yelwatda, praised Governor Kefas for what he described as a bold and courageous political decision. He said the governor made the right choice by leaving what he termed a “declining PDP” for the ruling party.

According to Yelwatda, the defection would position Taraba to fully benefit from federal economic policies and empower its youth and women. He added that the state was now firmly part of the APC’s winning platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The APC chairman assured both long-standing members and new entrants of equal opportunities within the party, advising Governor Kefas to lead with fairness, unity and inclusiveness.

Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the people of Taraba and their governor, describing the defection as a development that would accelerate infrastructure growth and strengthen security in the state. Akpabio, who was represented by Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibril, said the move would ensure Taraba enjoys equal access to national opportunities under the APC-led government.

In his remarks, Governor Kefas said the event marked a new chapter in the political and developmental journey of Taraba State. He urged residents to focus on the future rather than dwell on past divisions.

The governor said his decision to join the APC was driven by the collective interest of the people, not personal ambition.

“This move is about creating jobs for the unemployed, opening doors for entrepreneurs, and delivering results through discipline, patriotism and commitment to service,” Kefas said.

Governor Kefas was elected under the PDP in the 2023 governorship election and officially defected to the APC in 2025, where he has since obtained his membership card.

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