Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has addressed rumors regarding any discord between him and the elder statesman and former Minister of Defence, Lt. General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd), asserting that the retired general continues to be a father figure in his life.
Kefas emphasized that his recent transition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not controversial and was not influenced by financial motivations.
The governor made these comments during a meeting with journalists on Wednesday following a private audience with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, clarifying various speculations about his political shift.
"I hold no grievances against TY Danjuma; he is my father. We have never encountered issues between us since we entered politics together. Although people may speculate, there is genuinely no problem," Kefas stated.
He characterized his recent visit to Danjuma as a personal gesture intended to reinforce their enduring relationship, which has been built over years of shared experiences and military service.
Kefas confirmed that Danjuma, despite not being affiliated with any political party, was informed of his decision to join the APC and had given his approval. "Prior to my move, I obtained his consent. He assured me he would support me whenever necessary," he noted.
The governor rejected suggestions that financial incentives played a role in his decision to switch parties. "No one offered me money to join the APC," he remarked, emphasizing that his choice was based on belief and strategic considerations aimed at accelerating Taraba's development.
Kefas expressed confidence in the new opportunities that the APC platform provides for enhanced collaboration with the Federal Government.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring Taraba State backs President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential elections, pointing to what he described as advancements in security and governance in the state.
"Delivering Taraba will be straightforward because our policies are already making a difference at the grassroots level," he said.
The discussions with the President centered on issues such as security, agricultural development, and the welfare of Taraba residents, with an emphasis on fostering better cooperation between the state and the Federal Government.
After this meeting, which he termed "very meaningful," Kefas remarked that it was the first official engagement with Tinubu since his affiliation with the APC.
In response to concerns about potential political backlash in Taraba related to his defection, he asserted that he remains well-connected with the populace, attributing his confidence to the performance of his administration.
Kefas noted that the security landscape in the state has improved significantly since he took office, stating that while no community is entirely devoid of crime, violent incidents have decreased, allowing residents to enjoy greater freedom.
Regarding agricultural practices, he highlighted the introduction of mechanized farming through tractor imports and enhanced access to modern farming equipment, which have increased productivity levels.
He further indicated that the next stage of the agricultural initiative would target the establishment of local processing facilities to augment value addition, enhance food supply chains, and create jobs.
Kefas urged citizens to leverage the overlapping of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as a time for prayer, unity, and renewed dedication to national peace and development.
The governor made the formal transition from PDP to APC between late 2025 and early 2026, a decision that continues to provoke varied responses within Taraba's political circles.
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