APC Defection a ‘Poisoned Chalice, Cannot Rewrite Story of Taraba’s Progress’ Says ADC Chieftain Gaddafi Tanko

Barrister Gaddafi Ibrahim Tanko, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and frontline aspirant for the IbiState Constituency seat in the Taraba State House of Assembly, has described Governor Agbu Kefas' reported movement into the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a "poisoned chalice,"insisting that such a political switch cannot rewrite or appropriate Taraba State's authentic story of progress.

Barr. Tanko said the reportedly sparse turnout at the Jolly Nyame Stadium during the governors' defection ceremony was a clear indication that Tarabans have rejected what he termed a needless and self-serving political realignment.

"The empty stands speak louder than propaganda," he said. "Tarabans have shown by their deeds and conduct that they do not give a hoot about defection blues looming on the horizon. The people are wiser, discerning and unmoved by political musical chairs."

According to him, Taraba's developmental narrative is rooted in the sacrifices, resilience and collective aspirations of its people, not in last-minute defections driven by political convenience or personal ambition.

"Defection does not confer credibility, neither does it erase records," Barr. Tanko added. "A change of party colours cannot whitewash performance. Leadership is earned through service, not stage-managed realignments."

He further warned that opportunistic political movements undermine democratic accountability and amount to a betrayal of the mandate freely given by the electorate.

Barr. Gaddafi Ibrahim Tanko called on the people of Taraba State, particularly those of Ibi State Constituency, to remain vigilant, issue-driven and committed to people-centredgovernance, stressing that the future of Taraba must not be mortgaged on the altar of political expediency.