Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has deferred his planned ceremonial defection to the All Progressives Congress, citing the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
Kefas, in a personally signed statement on Tuesday, said it would be insensitive to go ahead with any political celebration at a time the country was grappling with yet another tragedy of insecurity.
The APC, in a separate statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, also confirmed the postponement of the event, noting that a new date would be announced in due course.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that the reception was initially slated for today, Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Kefas’ absence at the PDP elective convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15, had fuelled speculation about his imminent exit from the opposition party.
While the convention was ongoing, a viral video showed him inspecting the Jalingo stadium where preparations for the defection rally were in top gear.
Addressing journalists after the inspection, the governor said his move to the APC was to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that Taraba was ready to receive top party leaders for the ceremony.
The build-up to his defection intensified on Monday, November 17, after members of the Taraba State House of Assembly and several State Executive Council members dumped the PDP for the ruling party, heightening expectations of Kefas’ formal switch.