Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has postponed his planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
It was earlier reported that armed men invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, on Sunday night and whisked away 25 students.
The gunmen shot the Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, as he attempted to shield the girls.
In a statement by him on Tuesday, Kefas said it would be insensitive to pursue political activities amid the nation’s latest security tragedy.
The governor described the incident as ‘deeply troubling’ and stressed that compassion must take precedence over politics.
He said, ‘My heart is with the families of the abducted children’, he said, expressing solidarity with the government and people of Kebbi State. The safety of children must remain a national priority’.
‘As a father, as a leader, and as a governor whose administration has prioritised security and education, it is morally right and nationally responsible to suspend all major political events until the situation receives the urgent attention it deserves’, he added.
He called for reflection, prayer, and unity, rather than celebration or political mobilisation, and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the girls. He also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant, and prayerful.
The governor said a new date for his official move to the APC would be announced after consultations and when deemed appropriate.
He prayed for the protection of all children and for the restoration of peace across the country.
Kefas, who was elected on the platform of the PDP in 2023, was expected to formally announce his defection to the APC on Wednesday after months of speculation about his political future.
On Monday, members of the Taraba State House of Assembly and several members of the State Executive Council resigned from the PDP and declared for the ruling APC, heightening expectations of the governor’s imminent defection.
It was earlier reported that the APC National Working Committee will on Wednesday welcome the governor to the party.
Speaking with our correspondent on Saturday, the National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, said all preparations had been made to receive Kefas.
‘The entire National Working Committee (NWC) members of the APC will receive Governor Kefas on 19 November. We are prepared for the event’, he said.
Kefas is one of the remaining governors of the PDP, and had for almost five months been in the news for possible defection to the APC.
The Taraba governor will join three other governors who dumped the PDP for the APC.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, on 23 April 2025, joined the APC, followed by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom on 6 June 2025, and Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, on 3 November.
