The Taraba State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Ibrahim Tukur, has confirmed that Governor Agbu Kefas will formally defect to the ruling party in January 2026.
Tukur made the disclosure on Sunday during a press briefing in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, explaining that the governor’s official reception had been postponed beyond December.
According to him, Governor Kefas had earlier planned to publicly announce his defection on November 19 but delayed the move following the kidnapping of students in Kebbi State.
“The governor felt it would be inappropriate to engage in political celebrations at a time when the nation was mourning another security incident,” Tukur said.
He clarified that although the formal ceremony was postponed, the governor had already completed the party’s membership process at the ward level.
“Governor Kefas has written formally to his ward executives, and his membership has been duly accepted. As far as the party’s internal records are concerned, he is now a bona fide member of the APC,” Tukur stated.
The APC chairman added that December was ruled out for the reception to avoid inconveniencing party members during the festive season.
“December is already filled with activities. We do not want to begin moving people across the state when families are preparing for Christmas and the New Year,” he explained.
Tukur also revealed that the defection of the governor had been followed by a wave of political realignments in the state.
“Fifteen members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, alongside the entire state executive council, have aligned with the governor by joining the APC. This is a natural political realignment, and there is no cause for concern,” he said.
He added that the party leadership had unanimously agreed that January would be a more suitable time for the official event.
“We have collectively agreed that January is ideal. Once a specific date is fixed, the public will be duly informed,” Tukur said.
Governor Kefas’ expected defection is seen as a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections.
