Kefas APC Move postponed as Taraba governor suspends defection plans after troubling Kebbi school abductions

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has postponed his planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, saying the Kefas APC Move cannot proceed at a time when the country is grappling with the troubling abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.

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The development follows Sunday night’s attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, where armed men abducted 25 students and shot the Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, as he tried to protect the girls.

In a statement personally signed on Tuesday, the governor said continuing with political activities would be insensitive in the face of a national security tragedy.

He described the abduction as deeply troubling and stressed that compassion must come before politics.

“My heart is with the families of the abducted children,” Kefas said, expressing solidarity with the government and people of Kebbi State. He added that child safety must remain a national priority.

He noted that as a father and leader whose administration prioritises security and education, it was morally right and nationally responsible to suspend all major political engagements until the incident receives the urgent attention it demands.

He urged Nigerians to reflect, pray and remain united rather than engage in celebration or political mobilisation.

The governor called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted girls and appealed to citizens to stay calm, vigilant and prayerful.

He said a new date for his formal move to the APC would be announced after consultations and when conditions allow.

Kefas, elected governor in 2023 under the PDP, had been expected to announce his switch to the ruling APC on Wednesday after months of speculation about his political future.

The anticipation was heightened on Monday when members of the Taraba State House of Assembly and several State Executive Council members resigned from the PDP and joined the APC.

The APC National Working Committee had already scheduled to receive the governor on Wednesday. The party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, said at the weekend that arrangements were in place to welcome Kefas into the fold.

Kefas is among the last remaining governors elected on the PDP platform and has been in the news for nearly five months over a possible defection.

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His eventual move would follow those of three PDP governors who joined the APC this year: Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in April, Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno in June, and Bayelsa’s Douye Diri in November.