Sen. Bwacha May Dump APC If Gov. Kefas Joins Party- Supporter
Political tension is rising in Taraba State as speculation intensifies over a possible defection by Governor Agbu Kefasfrom the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although no official confirmation has been made, sources close to Government House, Jalingo, say consultations and negotiations have reached an advanced stage. Governor Kefas' growing political closeness to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fueled widespread discussion about a potential realignment that could reshape the state's political map ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A staunch supporter of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 election, has revealed that the former lawmaker may leave the APC if Governor Kefasdefects to the ruling party.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the supporter said Senator Bwacha feels sidelined in ongoing talks and may move to another political platform with his loyalists.
"Senator Emmanuel Bwacha has made it clear that he will contest the 2027 governorship election. He still commands strong support across the 16 local government areas and remains the political leader of the southern zone. If Governor Kefas joins the APC, the senator may have no choice but to move elsewhere because the governor's defection would alter the balance of power within the party," the supporter said.
He further disclosed that Senator Bwacha and his camp are worried about being excluded from discussions surrounding the governor's rumored defection.
"As of the last time we spoke, he told us he was not being carried along. We, his supporters, are waiting for direction, but I can comfortably tell you that we will not remain in the APC if Governor Agbu Kefas joins the party," he said.
Meanwhile, several PDP leaders in the state have expressed support for Governor Kefas' rumored move to the APC, arguing that Taraba would benefit more if it aligns politically with the federal government.
Some of the PDP stakeholders, speaking anonymously, lamented that Taraba State has suffered neglect in federal appointments and projects because it belongs to the opposition.
"The PDP has lost relevance at the national level. We have been in the PDP since 1999, but this time, we are ready to leave because of our state. Our people are suffering because the government here doesn't align politically with the federal government," one of the leaders said.
They maintained that Governor Kefas' defection would bring greater development, attract federal projects, and open new investment opportunities in the state.
Political observers in the state note that Governor Kefas' regular meetings with President Tinubu — both at official functions and private engagements — have heightened the speculation. Many believe the governor's strong advocacy for collaboration with the federal government may be part of a larger political strategy.
A senior political analyst in Jalingo told Taraba Truth and Fact Newspaper that "the writing may be on the wall."
"With the 2027 elections approaching, it's not unusual to see political shifts. If Governor Kefas is indeed considering joining the APC, it may not necessarily be about party politics, but about opening Taraba to federal collaboration and development," he said.
Adding fuel to the discussion, a local advocacy group, the Concerned Taraba Youth Group, has publicly urged the governor to join the ruling APC. The group, led by its spokesperson Shedrack Iremiya Gani, argued that aligning with the federal government is the only way to address the long-standing neglect of federal projects such as the Mambilla Hydro Power Project and the stalled Zing–Jalingo–Wukari road.
"Considering the continued deterioration and abandonment of federal projects in Taraba, we appeal to Governor Agbu Kefas to align with President Bola Tinubu to attract greater federal presence to the state. We want the governor to make history by joining the APC," Gani said.
Inside APC circles, optimism is building over what many describe as "a wave of political realignments." A senior APC chieftain in the state told Taraba Truth and Fact Newspaper that several top PDP figures are already in talks to defect.
"While I won't mention names, I can tell you that many big names from the PDP are coming. You'll be surprised at the caliber of people joining soon," the party official said.
If Governor Kefas eventually crosses over to the APC, it would mark a dramatic turning point in Taraba's political history. The PDP has dominated the state since 1999, and such a move could trigger a massive shift in loyalties, potentially reshaping alliances ahead of 2027.
Analysts predict that joining the APC could boost Governor Kefas' influence both in Taraba and at the national level, but warn it could also create tension among loyal PDP supporters and test his political base.
For now, the state remains on edge as the political landscape continues to evolve, with both camps — PDP and APC — watching closely for the governor's next move.
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