Governor Agbu Kefas’s anticipated defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stirred intense political debate in Taraba State, with many insiders viewing the move as a calculated attempt to neutralise powerful contenders such as Chief David Sabo Kente before the 2027 governorship race.

Political observers say the defection, already the subject of consultations between PDP and APC stakeholders in Abuja and Taraba, could drastically reshape Taraba’s political terrain. Sources within both parties told Daily Trust that agreements have been reached to grant automatic tickets to the governor and serving legislators, a development that could leave many long-time APC members sidelined.

“If this deal stands, it would mean that Kefas and other PDP defectors would have an open field, leaving committed APC members like Chief Kente without a level playing ground,” said Emmanuel James, an APC supporter in Ibi.

James added that “The governor is running into the APC to secure his political future, not necessarily to strengthen the party.”

Within APC circles, the development has triggered unease, especially among those who have long invested in building the party’s grassroots base. Many members fear that Kefas’s entry could distort the internal balance of power and jeopardise the chances of loyal party men ahead of the 2027 primaries.

James Jonah, a politician in southern Taraba said there is already a growing suspicion in the APC that Governor Kefas move was to block Kente from getting the ticket of APC during the primaries.

Another APC loyalist, Dauda Bello argued that Kefas’s move, though politically strategic, could breed resentment.

“We have people like David Sabo Kente and Sani Danladi who sustained this party with their resources for years. If Kefas joins now and takes over, it will definitely cause a crisis,” he said.

Another party stalwart, Victor Lawal, described Kente, who is a sibling of Kefas’ political adviser, Josiah Kente, as a “formidable force” in Taraba politics whose influence extends beyond the APC.

“Kente’s grassroots support has always given the PDP sleepless nights,” Lawal said. “He’s been consistent, investing in the people through his DSK Foundation, and many view him as the natural candidate to lead APC in 2027.”

Both Kefas and Kente hail from Wukari Local Government in southern Taraba, where the governorship has been domiciled for over a decade.

Political analysts note that the southern zone is expected to complete its two-term cycle in 2027, making the region’s political rivalry even more intense.

Inside the defection plan

Sources told Daily Trust that the governor and other PDP officials, including serving senators and members of the House of Representatives, are expected to defect en masse to the APC before the end of the year. One insider revealed that both parties have already discussed a “sharing formula” to accommodate defectors and old members.

“The plan is that the governor and serving legislators will get automatic tickets, while other aspirants will have to slug it out in the primaries,” the source said. “This is what is creating tension.”

But former APC interim chairman Hassan Jika Ardos believes Kefas’s entry could strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.

“The APC was founded on fairness and equity,” he said. “Everyone should be treated equally. If we maintain internal justice, no one will be afraid of the governor’s defection.”

Still, other members worry that the defection could replicate past mistakes.

“It is not just about Kente. There are others too. Unless care is taken and the right things are done, the APC may still face yet another crisis as was the case during the previous elections,” said another stakeholder, Charles Nuhu.

The state chairman of the APC, Barrister Ibrahim El-Sudi, however, urged old members of the party not to entertain any fears, assuring that the principles of fairness, justice, and mutual accommodation would guide the integration of defecting PDP members into the APC. Efforts to get him to confirm reports of automatic tickets for the potential defectors were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to subsequent calls.

APC must unite for victory, says Kente

Chief David Sabo Kente, a major APC financier and governorship hopeful, broke his silence on the controversy, saying that while Governor Kefas’s entry could boost the party’s chances, it also carries deep implications for its internal stability.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Kente said old and new members of the APC must “come together and work for common ground” to ensure victory in 2027.

“The APC has never won the governorship election in Taraba State,” he said, adding that “If Governor Kefas joins, it will have implications because many people already have ambitions on the ground. What is required now is dialogue and unity to win this election.”

“As a loyal party member, I have no right to reject whoever the president wants in the party,” he said. “Governor Kefas is not coming to block anyone; rather, his coming will enhance the chances of the party to win.”

The APC chieftain urged the governor and other newcomers to learn from the mistakes of 2023, when some defectors tried to dominate party structures, leading to division and electoral losses. “That grabbing mentality cost APC victory in the last election,” he said. “Kefas and others must avoid that. They should sit with both old and new members to agree on give-and-take so that the APC can win Taraba for the first time.”

On his own prospects, Kente admitted that calls for him to contest again have intensified. “A few weeks ago, I said I wouldn’t contest against him except if it became the overwhelming position of the people,” he said. “Since then, I’ve been overwhelmed with calls from across the state urging me to contest. Consultations are ongoing, and I may be contesting after all.”

He stressed that the party must allow an open contest. “Whoever emerges should depend on the interplay of forces and the will of party members,” he said.

Power shift and political calculations

Beyond the personalities, Taraba’s 2027 race will likely reopen the debate over power rotation among the state’s three senatorial zones. While southern Taraba is expected to complete its two terms, northern and central blocs are already agitating for a shift.

Kente acknowledged this agitation, saying that “southern Taraba has held power for too long.” “As a true democrat, I believe the north and central zones also deserve a sense of belonging,” he said.

Observers believe this could complicate Governor Kefas’s re-election bid within the APC, as northern leaders might insist on zoning the ticket away from the south. Yet, with his incumbency advantage and possible presidential backing, Kefas could still secure the party ticket if internal democracy falters.

Meanwhile, as the political climate in Taraba heats up, APC stakeholders continue to debate whether Kefas’s anticipated defection is a boost or a burden. For some, it signals renewed hope of winning the governorship for the first time; for others, it risks alienating the very members who built the party from scratch.

“The fear is real,” said one APC elder. “If fairness is not upheld, and old members feel displaced, the APC might enter 2027 more divided than ever.”

Kente, however, maintains cautious optimism. “Whether the governor comes as an asset or liability is left for the party to decide,” he said. “The APC is large enough to accommodate everyone, but only if justice, fairness, and inclusion prevail.” (Daily Trust)