Josiah Kente, the Special Adviser on Political Matters and Special Duties to the Governor of Taraba State, has confirmed that the call for Governor Agbu Kefas to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC) would significantly enhance development within the state.
In a statement released in Jalingo on Tuesday, Kente articulated that the governor’s potential association with the ruling party represents a strategic initiative aimed at ensuring Taraba’s comprehensive integration into national development and access to federal opportunities.
He clarified that this decision is not motivated by personal ambition or political gain but is rooted in “the collective interest of Tarabans.” Kente emphasised that Kefas’ achievements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure warrant more robust federal support.
“This appeal is based not on partisan interests but on the shared aspirations of the people of Taraba for sustainable progress, infrastructural advancement, and inclusion in national discussions,” Kente asserted.
He further noted that collaborating with the APC at the national level would unlock new avenues for the state’s development, particularly regarding federal initiatives, security cooperation, and projects funded by donors.
“With the Governor’s alignment with the ruling party, Taraba is poised to gain from an increased federal presence, including roads, bridges, hospitals, and energy installations, which are currently more prevalent in states with stronger federal connections,” he added.
The political adviser highlighted that since assuming office, Governor Kefas has exhibited remarkable leadership and resolve, suggesting that his Moving Forward agenda could achieve greater effectiveness through collaboration with the Federal Government.
“It is only appropriate that such visionary leadership receives support from a conducive political environment at the national level. The current circumstances demand bold, strategic decisions that prioritise the welfare of the people over party affiliations,” Kente remarked.
He called upon stakeholders, youth organisations, and opinion leaders in Taraba to unite behind the governor in what he described as a “realignment for growth and prosperity.”
Governor Agbu Kefas, who was elected in 2023 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), moving to the APC would represent a significant political shift in Taraba, a state that has been a bastion of the PDP since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, effectively ending the PDP’s 26-year reign in the region.
Recently, various individuals and groups have been advocating for the Governor to transition to the APC to attract increased federal presence to the state.
