The political atmosphere in Taraba State is heating up following remarks by Josiah Kente, Special Adviser on Political Matters and Special Duties to Governor Agbu Kefas. Kente has thrown his weight behind growing calls for the governor to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such a move as a pathway to accelerated development and federal inclusion.
In a statement released in Jalingo on Tuesday, Kente said the potential defection should not be viewed through the lens of personal ambition or partisan interest but as a “strategic realignment” aimed at enhancing Taraba’s access to federal projects and national opportunities.
According to him, Governor Kefas’ “Moving Forward” agenda—anchored on education, healthcare, and infrastructure—would benefit immensely from collaboration with the ruling party at the national level.
Federal Access and Development Opportunities
Kente stressed that Taraba’s current development pace could be amplified if the state enjoys closer synergy with the Federal Government. He highlighted that states with stronger ties to the ruling APC have benefitted more from major federal projects such as roads, bridges, hospitals, and power facilities.
“With the Governor’s alignment to the ruling party, Taraba stands to benefit from increased federal presence,” Kente asserted.
He argued that joining forces with the APC could open new avenues for donor-funded initiatives, security cooperation, and infrastructural investments, adding that the move would reflect “a bold decision in the interest of the people of Taraba.”
Implications for Taraba’s Political Landscape
If Governor Kefas were to join the APC, the move would mark a watershed moment in Taraba’s political history. The state has been a bastion of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Kefas’ defection would therefore end a 26-year streak of PDP dominance and reshape the political equilibrium in the North-East region.
Political observers who spoke with Akahi News noted that the shift could also trigger a ripple effect across the region, possibly influencing neighbouring states where the PDP has maintained a historical foothold.
However, critics caution that the defection could polarise Taraba’s political base, with some loyalists of the PDP viewing it as a betrayal of the party’s legacy. Still, others argue that pragmatic politics sometimes demands flexibility when state interests outweigh partisan lines.
Support from Stakeholders and Youth Groups
Kente’s remarks come amid mounting calls from political stakeholders, youth groups, and opinion leaders urging Governor Kefas to join the APC. They believe that closer alignment with the federal government would unlock long-awaited developmental dividends.
“The times call for bold, strategic decisions that transcend party sentiment in favour of the people’s welfare,” Kente added.
As the debate continues, analysts believe that Kefas’ next political move will be closely watched, not just in Taraba, but across Nigeria’s broader political landscape.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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