Fresh indications have emerged that the reported plan by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is nearing completion, following a series of high-level consultations and discreet meetings in Abuja.

Findings by Daily Trust revealed that the governor recently met with APC youth stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory, where he reportedly confirmed his intention to join the party once ongoing arrangements are finalised.

The meeting, held on Wednesday at the T.Y. Danjuma House in Asokoro, Abuja, was led by Comrade Abubakar Gembu and attended by APC youth representatives from the state?s 16 local government areas.

Before the Abuja parley, Governor Kefas had dispatched his loyalists to the 16 LGAs for grassroots consultations on the proposed defection. A former senator, Dahiru Bako, led the consultation team. Sources said most of those consulted, including PDP members, supported the governor?s move to realign politically.

At the Abuja meeting, Kefas reportedly told the APC youths that Taraba could no longer afford to remain isolated from the mainstream of national politics. He said his decision to engage with the ruling party was driven by the need to attract greater development, security, and federal attention to the state.

The APC youth stakeholders commended the governor for what they described as his foresight and courage to prioritise the collective interest of Tarabans above partisan considerations. They hailed his anticipated move as a masterstroke that could reposition the state for progress and prosperity.

Governor Kefas? planned alignment with the ruling party is already being viewed in political circles as a defining moment that could reshape Taraba?s political landscape and bridge the long-standing gap between the state and the centre since 2015.

The APC state chairman, Barrister Ibrahim El-Sudi, also welcomed the development, describing it as a major boost for the party. He told Daily Trust that Kefas? potential defection would strengthen the APC?s support base, assuring that the move would not marginalise existing members.

?It would be suicidal for the party to shut its doors to people interested in joining the APC,? El-Sudi said.

Reliable sources told Daily Trust that Governor Kefas has secured the approval of his political mentor, General T.Y. Danjuma (rtd), to proceed with the defection. Close associates also confirmed that Kefas had met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to finalise the plan.

?It is no longer a secret that Governor Kefas is defecting to the APC. It is only a matter of days or weeks before it is officially announced,? one PDP member in Taraba said. ?Consultations with PDP leaders and supporters have been concluded, and the APC national chairman is fully aware and supportive of the move.?

Another PDP stalwart, who spoke anonymously, said politicians in Taraba eyeing elective positions in 2027 had already begun lobbying, noting that Kefas? defection would make him the new leader of the APC in the state.

On the fate of the party?s current leadership, another PDP member, Lawal Rabiu, said a realignment of interests was likely. ?It will be difficult for the old members of APC to retain the party structure completely,? he said. ?But there will be agreements and give-and-take arrangements so that nobody is short-changed.?

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters and Special Duties, Josiah Kente, described the planned defection as ?a pragmatic and strategic decision? that could accelerate Taraba?s development and strengthen its partnership with the Federal Government.

He commended the governor for consulting widely before taking such a step, adding that the process demonstrated political maturity and inclusiveness. (Daily Trust)

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