Taraba Governor Kefas Denies Rift with TY Danjuma, Rejects Defection Inducement Claims

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has dismissed speculations of a strained relationship with former Defence Minister General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, asserting that their bond remains strong despite his recent political realignment.

Addressing journalists after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Kefas emphasized that Danjuma continues to be a father figure to him. He stated, "I don't have any problem with TY Danjuma; he is my father. Since we started politics, nothing has ever come between us. People just speculate, but there is no issue at all."

Kefas also refuted claims that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was financially motivated. He declared, "Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC," highlighting that his decision was driven by conviction and strategic considerations for Taraba's development.

The governor expressed confidence in his ability to secure Taraba State for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing improvements in security and governance. He noted, "Delivering Taraba will not be difficult because our policies are already impacting the grassroots."

During his meeting with President Tinubu, discussions focused on security, agriculture, and the welfare of Taraba residents, aiming to strengthen collaboration between the state and the federal government. Kefas described the engagement as "very meaningful," marking his first formal interaction with the President since joining the APC.

Kefas formally defected from the PDP to the APC between late 2025 and early 2026, a move that has generated mixed reactions within Taraba's political landscape. While some political leaders and local government officials welcomed the switch as a pragmatic alignment with the federal government, segments of the opposition criticized the decision as politically motivated.

Despite these reactions, a wave of defections by state assembly members, council chairmen, and party executives has continued to reshape the state's political configuration, signaling a shift from Taraba's long-standing PDP dominance toward a more competitive environment ahead of the 2027 elections.