Shettima Welcomes Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas into APC on Behalf of President Tinubu.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline January 31, 2027.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Saturday formally received the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a significant political development in the state and the ruling party.
The official reception ceremony took place at the Taraba State Government House in Jalingo, where top leaders of the APC, party stakeholders, government officials, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters gathered to witness the historic defection.
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The event turned the state capital into a hub of political activity as party loyalists from across Taraba and neighbouring states converged to welcome Governor Kefas and his supporters into the APC fold. The atmosphere was filled with celebration, solidarity, and renewed optimism for the future of the party in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Shettima described Taraba State as one of Nigeria’s most strategic and important states, highlighting its vast potential in agriculture, energy resources, and national security.
According to him, Taraba’s fertile land and diverse natural resources position it as a key contributor to Nigeria’s food security agenda, while its geographical location makes it critical to regional stability and national unity.
Shettima disclosed that President Tinubu personally mandated him to deliver a special message to Governor Kefas, assuring him of full acceptance and recognition within the APC.
“The President wants me to make it clear that Governor Agbu Kefas has not only found a political home in the APC, but he is also regarded as a valuable partner in our collective mission to rebuild Nigeria,” Shettima said.
He added that the ruling party expects the Taraba governor to continue playing a vital role in advancing development, strengthening governance, and promoting inclusive growth both in Taraba State and across the country.
Highlighting the governing philosophy of the APC, the Vice President emphasized unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility as the foundation for national progress.
“What distinguishes our party from others is our firm belief that Nigeria can only move forward when we recognize our collective strengths and work together to harness them,” Shettima noted. “We strongly believe that Taraba State represents one of the pillars of Nigeria’s strength.”
Governor Agbu Kefas, in his response, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and the leadership of the APC for the warm reception, pledging his commitment to good governance, peace, and development in Taraba State under the platform of the ruling party.
Political analysts say the defection is expected to reshape Taraba’s political landscape, strengthen the APC’s influence in the North-East, and enhance collaboration between the state and the Federal Government.
The event ended with goodwill messages from party leaders, traditional rulers, and youth representatives, signaling a new chapter in Taraba State’s political journey.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 31ST 2026)
