Youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State have opposed Governor Agbu Kefas’ reported plan to defect to the ruling party, describing the move as “totally unacceptable.”
Addressing journalists in Jalingo on Thursday, the APC youths said they would resist any attempt to welcome the governor into the party, alleging that he does not share the progressive values that define the APC.
“We, the youths of APC in Taraba State, unanimously reject the defection of Governor Agbu Kefas into our great party. He is not a progressive leader, and APC is not a party for his calibre. Our stand is clear — we are not in support of his coming,” State Coordinator Bilyamin Musa stated.
The group accused the governor of poor governance, insisting that his two years in office had not yielded meaningful results for the people, especially the youth. They argued that his leadership style runs contrary to what the APC represents.
The youth leaders also appealed to the national leadership of the APC to respect the wishes of Taraba members and prevent what they termed an infiltration that could weaken the party’s structure in the state.
While reaffirming their loyalty to the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, they pledged continued mobilisation of young people to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
However, reacting to the controversy, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters, Barrister Sani Marke, defended the planned defection, describing it as a strategic and forward-looking decision.
According to him, Governor Kefas’ move to “align with the centre” would enhance Taraba’s access to federal resources and partnerships, thereby fast-tracking the state’s development.
He commended key APC stakeholders in the state for welcoming the governor’s gesture, saying their openness reflects political maturity and unity of purpose.
