Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has dismissed speculations of a strained relationship with elder statesman and former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd), insisting that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was neither controversial nor financially induced.
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Kefas spoke with journalists on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
He described Danjuma as a father figure whose counsel and goodwill remain intact despite his political realignment, stressing that there had never been any misunderstanding between them.
“I don’t have any problem with TY Danjuma; he is my father. Since we started politics, nothing has ever come between us. People just speculate, but there is no issue at all,” the governor said.
Kefas explained that his recent visit to the retired general was personal and symbolic, aimed at appreciation and reaffirmation of their long-standing bond, which he said was strengthened by their shared military background and years of association.
He added that although Danjuma is not a member of any political party, he was duly informed before his move to the APC and gave his blessing.
“Before I defected, I secured his approval. He assured me of his support whenever I need it,” he stated.
The governor also dismissed rumours that financial incentives influenced his defection to the ruling party, describing such claims as baseless.
“Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC,” Kefas said, stressing that his decision was driven by conviction and strategic considerations for Taraba’s development, not pecuniary benefits.
He expressed satisfaction with his new political platform, saying he was optimistic about the opportunities it presents for deeper engagement with the Federal Government.
Kefas further declared confidence in his ability to deliver Taraba State for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing what he described as improvements in security and governance outcomes across key sectors.
“Delivering Taraba will not be difficult because our policies are already impacting the grassroots,” he said.
He disclosed that his meeting with the President centred on security, agriculture and the welfare of Taraba residents, as well as strategies to strengthen collaboration between the state and the Federal Government.
According to him, the engagement was “very meaningful,” noting that it marked his first formal interaction with Tinubu since joining the APC and would open the door for stronger intergovernmental cooperation.
Responding to concerns over possible political resistance in the state following his defection, Kefas maintained that he remains firmly rooted among the people, insisting that his performance in office has earned him public confidence.
On security, the governor said Taraba is now comparatively safer than it was before he assumed office, acknowledging that while no society is entirely crime-free, incidents of violence and unrest have reduced significantly, allowing residents greater freedom of movement.
He also highlighted progress in agriculture, particularly the introduction of mechanised farming through the importation of tractors and expanded access to modern equipment, which he said has boosted productivity.
Kefas said the next phase of the agricultural drive would focus on establishing local processing facilities to enhance value addition, strengthen food supply chains and create jobs.
The governor also pointed to the near alignment of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as symbolic, urging citizens to use the period for prayer, unity and renewed commitment to national peace and development.
Kefas formally defected from the PDP to the APC between late 2025 and early 2026, a move that has continued to generate mixed reactions within Taraba’s political landscape.
While several political leaders, lawmakers and local government officials welcomed the switch as a pragmatic alignment with the Federal Government to accelerate development, segments of the opposition and some citizens criticised the decision as politically motivated.
However, a wave of defections by state assembly members, council chairmen and party executives has continued to reshape the state’s political configuration, signalling a shift from Taraba’s long-standing PDP dominance toward a more competitive environment ahead of the 2027 elections.
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