Taraba gov denies financial inducement over defection to APC

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, on Wednesday said his relationship with elder statesman and former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) was cordial. He explained that contrary to speculations, he sought and got the  blessings of General Danjuma before moving to the ruling All Progressives Congress {APC). The Governor who won his election on the […]

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, on Wednesday said his relationship with elder statesman and former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) was cordial.

He explained that contrary to speculations, he sought and got the  blessings of General Danjuma before moving to the ruling All Progressives Congress {APC).

The Governor who won his election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, moved to the APC with his people late last year, saying  he was not influenced by any financial considerations. 

Addressing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Governor Kefas, described TY Danjuma as a father figure whose guidance and goodwill remain intact despite his political movement. 

He said,  “I don’t have any problem with TY Danjuma; he is my father. Since we started politics, nothing has ever come between us. People just speculate, but there is no issue at all,” adding that Danjuma, though not a member of any political party, was duly informed before his move to the APC and gave his blessing.” 

Also speaking on the speculation about financial inducement for defecting Governors, the Taraba Governor denied the development, saying “Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC”. 

He argued that his decision to move to the ruling party was driven by conviction and strategic considerations for the development and growth of the State rather than other benefits.

While stressing that his people sanctioned his defection and are solidly with him, the governor declared confidence in his ability to deliver the State for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. 

He also cited what he described as visible improvements in security and governance outcomes across critical sectors in the state, saying it will the election easy for the APC in Taraba. 

“Delivering Taraba will not be difficult because our policies are already impacting the grassroots.”

On the reason for his visit, Kefas disclosed that his closed-door meeting with President Tinubu centred on security, agriculture and the welfare of Taraba citizens, as well as strategies to strengthen collaboration between the state and the Federal Government.