Nobody gave me money to join APC – Taraba Gov, Kefas

Agbu Kefas Taraba State Governor, has dismissed allegations that he collected bribe which influenced his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kefas spoke to State House correspondents on Wednesday after his first meeting with Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, since his formal defection.

He stated that his switch to the APC was driven by personal conviction and the broader interest of Taraba State rather than monetary gain.

According to him, “My decision was based on what is best for Taraba State and its future. Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC.”

He further explained that the decision followed why he calls “a carefully considered step to improve cooperation and development outcomes.”

Speaking about the upcoming 2027 election, Kefas expressed confidence that he will deliver Taraba State to President Tinubu.

“We have done all our mapping, our planning, and I’m on the ground, and I have the people. The people have me, and I’ve always told them I have no business being in government than for them.”

“So I have already won the mandate of the local, and I don’t think delivering Mr President and myself will be a difficult job. Taraba is for him, and he’s going to get nothing less than 100 per cent,” he said.

He attributed this optimism to ongoing grassroots projects and policies that he said have strengthened public trust in his administration.

Kefas added that his meeting with the president focused on key issues affecting residents of the state, including security, agriculture and social welfare.

“This is not the first time meeting with Mr President. But since my movement to the ruling party, I’ve not seen Mr President.”

“So I decided to come and see him and discuss some strategic issues concerning security, concerning the welfare of the people of Taraba State, and also support for Nigeria.”

He described the engagement as productive and said it would enhance collaboration between Taraba State and the Federal Government.

The governor also called on residents to promote peace and unity, noting the coincidence of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim Ramadan period.

According to him, the moment presents an opportunity for prayers and a renewed collective commitment to national development.

It can be recalled that Agbu Kefas, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023, had initially planned to defect to the All Progressives Congress on November 19, 2025 later rescheduled and took place on January 31, 2026.

Nobody gave me money to join APC – Taraba Gov, Kefas