Gov Kefas’ Defection Shatters 2027 Political Permutations

Plans by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have upended political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections, Taraba Truth and Facts can authoritatively report.

Multiple political insiders revealed that the governor's impending move has forced many politicians in the state to return to the drawing board. A series of discreet meetings and high-level consultations are reportedly ongoing in Abuja as aspirants and stakeholders weigh their next steps.

A former minister from Jalingo, who had quietly activated structures to contest the APC governorship ticket, has reportedly withdrawn from the race and is now considering leaving the party entirely, following new political realities.

Although the defection has not been officially announced, sources close to the presidency said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC have assured Governor Kefas of the party's governorship ticket in 2027. According to these insiders, most candidates for other elective positions in 2027 will, however, emerge through primary elections.

Further details obtained by Taraba Truth and Facts indicate that under a proposed power-sharing arrangement, the APC structure in the state will be split between the governor's camp and longstanding party members.

Reliable party sources disclosed that the next APC state executive council will be shared on a 60-40 basis in favour of the old APC bloc, but the governor will be given the privilege of nominating the state party chairman.

Several sources confirmed that the new political understanding strongly favours Governor Kefas while still accommodating key APC stakeholders. They added that the governor and a serving PDP senator planning to defect alongside him have already been assured of automatic return tickets.

However, most members of the Taraba State House of Assembly will have to participate in party primaries to secure re-election tickets. Some federal lawmakers have also not been guaranteed automatic tickets, prompting growing anxiety within their camps.

A serving member of the House of Representatives told his supporters to remain calm and stay within the PDP for now while he consults widely on his next move. Other lawmakers, particularly those uneasy with the governor's alliance with certain APC factions, are said to be quietly exploring alternative political platforms.

A member of the House of Representatives from the Central Zone, according to insiders, has instructed some of his core loyalists to move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to hold the party structure in anticipation of his possible defection, should the ongoing political realignment in the APC not favour him.

Some APC federal lawmakers expressed concerns to this newspaper that Governor Kefas appears more comfortable engaging with the faction led by Senator Sani Abubakar, leaving others feeling sidelined in the unfolding political arrangement.

Meanwhile, Taraba Truth and Facts gathered that Governor Kefas has deployed trusted allies to all 16 local government areas to seek grassroots support ahead of his defection. The consultation team is being led by former senator Dahiru Bako. Sources familiar with the exercise said many of those consulted—including PDP members—expressed support for the governor's decision to realign politically with the APC.

Governor Kefas has repeatedly stated in private meetings that he does not intend to hijack the APC but to consolidate its gains in the interest of Taraba State, according to those close to him.