Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas denies receiving bribes to defect from PDP to APC, citing state interests after meeting President Tinubu
Taraba Gov Agbu Kefas Fires Back at Bribe Claims, Says ‘Nobody Gave Me Money to Defect to APC’
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has firmly dismissed swirling allegations that financial inducements swayed his high-profile defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting the move stemmed from deep conviction and a drive to boost development in his state.
Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday, February 18, 2026—following his first meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock Villa since formally joining the APC on January 31, 2026—Kefas addressed the rumors head-on.
“My decision was based on what is best for Taraba State and its future. Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC,” he declared.
He described the switch—initially slated for November 19, 2025 before being rescheduled—as “a carefully considered step to improve cooperation and development outcomes.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Kefas radiated confidence in delivering Taraba solidly for 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.
Kefas credited this optimism to tangible grassroots projects and people-focused policies that have built strong public trust in his administration.
The closed-door discussion with President Tinubu centered on pressing state priorities.
“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,” Kefas explained.
He hailed the engagement as highly productive, predicting stronger federal-state collaboration moving forward.
In a timely appeal amid overlapping Christian Lenten and Muslim Ramadan observances, the governor urged Taraba residents to embrace peace, unity, and collective prayers for national progress.
Kefas, elected on the PDP platform in 2023, completed his party switch in a grand ceremony on January 31, 2026, marking a significant realignment in Taraba’s political landscape. Read More
