The Special Adviser to the Taraba State Governor on Legal Matters, Barrister Sani Marke, has declared support for the widely speculated plan by Governor Agbu Kefas to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the development as “a masterstroke of political wisdom” that would reposition Taraba for national relevance.
Speaking in a statement issued on Tuesday in Jalingo, the state capital, Marke said the governor’s reported decision to align with the ruling party was a demonstration of political foresight and genuine commitment to the advancement of the state.
“Governor Agbu Kefas has once again proven that he is a true patriot who puts the interest of Taraba first,” Marke said. “His decision to align with the centre is not about political convenience but about expanding the frontiers of opportunity for our people.”
The governor’s aide argued that joining the APC would enable Taraba to benefit more directly from Federal Government development initiatives, adding that political alignment with the centre had always been a key factor in ensuring equitable access to national projects.
“This is a decision driven by vision and statesmanship,” he continued. “It is about ensuring Taraba is not left out of the national conversation on growth, development, and inclusion.”
Marke commended key APC leaders in the North-East including Senator David Jimkuta, Uba Ahmadu, Senator Sani Danladi, Jerry Manwe, Ibrahim El-Sudi, and Mustapha Salisu — for what he described as their “open-mindedness and readiness” to receive the governor into the party.
He praised their disposition as “a show of unity and collective responsibility,” saying it reflects the governor’s long-standing reputation as a bridge-builder and advocate of peace.
Urging Tarabans to rally behind Kefas irrespective of party affiliations, the aide said it was time to prioritise development over partisan politics.
“This is the moment for all of us to unite behind a common vision of prosperity and political harmony. The governor has laid the foundation for a new Taraba built on inclusion, partnership, and progress,” he added.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the governor, Marke pledged to mobilise broad-based support for Kefas ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the rumoured defection as “the dawn of a new era of purposeful leadership in Taraba State.”
The speculation over Governor Kefas’ planned defection comes shortly after Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah were reported to have left the PDP.
If confirmed, Kefas’ exit would further reduce the PDP’s control to seven states a development analysts say could strengthen the APC’s dominance and bolster President Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027.
