President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged a strengthened development partnership with Taraba State following the formal entry of Governor Agbu Kefas and his supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at a grand reception held in Jalingo on Saturday to formally receive Governor Kefas into the APC, described Taraba State as pivotal to Nigeria’s food and energy security.
The Vice President said President Tinubu had directed him to assure Governor Kefas of his full place within the APC and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritising the development of Taraba State.
“What makes us different from other political parties is our belief that nations endure when they recognise their quiet strengths. Taraba is one such strength — a land that feeds, powers, and steadies the nation without demanding applause,” VP Shettima said.
Conveying President Tinubu’s message, the Vice President assured Governor Kefas of a continued partnership focused on development.
“My dear brother, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has asked me to assure you of your place not only in the party, but in our continuing relationship to prioritise the development of our people. No region is expendable. No state is ornamental,” he stated.
VP Shettima noted that the occasion was not about discovering Taraba’s relevance, but acknowledging its long-established role in national cohesion and stability.
“Today, we are not discovering Taraba. We are acknowledging what we have always known — its place at the centre of Nigeria’s political stability and future,” he said.
He explained that the APC was conceived as a unifying platform to bring Nigeria’s diverse regions together around a shared national purpose.
“The APC is a meeting point where regions converge, differences find direction, and ambition is disciplined by purpose,” he added.
According to him, Taraba’s entry into the ruling party strengthens national convergence politically, economically and strategically.
“Taraba sits where food security meets energy security — where fertile land meets flowing water, and mineral wealth meets industrial possibility,” he said.
Welcoming Governor Kefas, the Vice President described his decision as a demonstration of leadership founded on partnership and pragmatism.
“Leadership, at its core, is the courage to align destiny with reality. Governance is not an act of isolation, but of partnership,” he noted.
He added that the APC continues to grow through inclusion, conviction and performance rather than coercion or noise.
Also speaking, the President of the Senate, represented by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, congratulated Governor Kefas on what he described as a decision in the best interest of Taraba State.
“This decision will enhance agriculture, infrastructure and economic development in the state. The National Assembly stands in full support,” he said.
The National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, thanked Governor Kefas for joining the party, describing the move as a step towards accelerating development and prosperity in Taraba State.
“Aligning with the centre will allow Taraba to benefit fully from national policies and programmes,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Kefas said his decision to join the APC was driven by purpose and the desire to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Taraba State.
“This decision is not about politics or dwelling in the past. It is about the future — for our youth, our elders, our infrastructure and the overall progress of Taraba State,” he said.
He also commended security agencies in the state for their efforts in ensuring the safety of lives and property.
Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, who represented the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, described Governor Kefas’ decision as a step that would attract increased dividends of democracy to Taraba State.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the APC flag to Governor Kefas, formally recognising him as the leader of the party in the state.
Bello Wakili
