Taraba State is currently undergoing one of its most significant political shifts in recent years. Governor Agbu Kefas’ expected defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has remained a major topic across the state, especially after a wave of political alignments suggested the move was already underway.

Although no formal declaration has been made, most structural indicators including defections by political officeholders suggest that the governor’s transition to the APC is largely completed in practice. The official ceremony, which had initially been scheduled weeks ago, was postponed following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State. It was later shifted again to an undetermined date. According to the governor’s Special Adviser on Digital Communications, Hon. Emmanuel Bello, the new date will be announced by the local committee handling the event in Taraba State.

One moment that drew widespread attention was the governor’s statement during his 2025 budget presentation at the Taraba State House of Assembly, where he said:

“Though physically I am still in the PDP, my spirit is already in the APC.”

This remark, widely circulated across social platforms, has been interpreted by many as confirmation that his political migration is already complete in intention, even if not formally announced.

In a separate outing at a cultural event in Jimeta, Adamawa State, the governor focused on regional unity and mutual respect, noting that political differences do not erase longstanding relationships. His comments there were less about defection and more about maintaining cordial ties across the Northeast.


Implications and Emerging Internal Dynamics

While the governor’s alignment with the APC is seen by some as a political realignment toward the centre, it has also triggered internal conversations within the APC in Taraba State. Several key concerns and emerging tensions are now becoming noticeable:


1. Influx of Former PDP Leaders

The entry of high-profile PDP figures including the former PDP state chairman has raised questions about how roles will be redistributed within the APC.

Some party members argue that such figures will not simply return as ordinary members, especially considering their political weight and structure.


2. Potential Contest for Party Leadership

There are speculations that the former PDP state chairman may contest for the APC state chairman position.

If this happens, it could reshape the party’s internal hierarchy and potentially create friction among existing APC leaders who have held the structure for years.


3. Questions Surrounding the Deputy Governorship

There are ongoing rumors that the current APC state chairman may be considered for the position of deputy governor.

This comes amid the prolonged absence of the sitting deputy governor, **Alkali**, who has reportedly been ill for several months. His absence from public functions has fueled speculation about possible changes in the state’s executive leadership.

4. Possible Factionalization Within APC

With old APC members, decamped PDP blocs, and newly arriving stakeholders all seeking relevance, there is concern that the party may face internal divisions if roles, expectations, and interests are not managed carefully.


These issues, if not addressed, could shape the stability of the party as Taraba navigates its changing political environment.


What This Means Moving Forward

Despite the delays, the political reality in Taraba suggests that the governor’s eventual declaration into the APC may only be a matter of timing rather than intention. Many of his closest political allies, commissioners, advisers, and local government chairmen have already moved into the APC, signaling a coordinated shift ahead of him.

However, the overall impact on governance, party cohesion, and public trust will depend on how the APC manages the internal adjustments that come with such a large-scale political realignment.

For now, Tarabans continue to wait for the official announcement that aligns the governor’s political body with where he has already stated his spirit belongs.