Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has postponed his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
The governor announced the decision on Tuesday in Jalingo, saying that humanity must take precedence over politics.
He added that a new date for the defection rally would be communicated once the kidnapped girls are safely rescued.
According to a statement released by the Governor’s Office, 16 members of the Taraba State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday to join the APC.
In addition, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa stepped down as PDP chairman in the state, with all commissioners and the newly elected 16 local government council chairmen also joining the APC.
Governor Kefas had earlier explained that his move to the APC was intended to attract development to Taraba State and support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. In his statement, he said:
“In the light of the deeply troubling situation of the kidnap of innocent schoolgirls in Kebbi State, I have taken the solemn decision to postpone my Wednesday, 19th November 2025, scheduled movement to the APC. At a moment when our nation is once again confronted with the painful reality of insecurity, solidarity and compassion must rise above politics. The safety of our children, the most vulnerable and precious members of our society, is far more important than any political activity or ceremony.
He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted schoolgirls, while extending his thoughts to their families and the people of Kebbi State.
