Special Adviser to the Governor of Taraba State on Legal Matters, Sani Marke, has publicly endorsed the speculated plan by Governor Agbu Kefas to switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He described the move as a display of exceptional political insight and foresight.

In a statement released in Jalingo on Tuesday, Marke praised the governor’s reported decision as both courageous and insightful. He emphasized that it reflects a commitment to genuine statesmanship and practical alignment with the Federal Government’s development agenda.

Marke stated, “Governor Agbu Kefas has once again demonstrated that he is a genuine patriot who prioritizes the interests of Taraba. His choice to align with the central government is not driven by political convenience but by a desire to expand opportunities for the people.”

The governor’s aide argued that joining the APC would prevent Taraba from being excluded from national development initiatives. He described the reported decision as being rooted in foresight and a commitment to inclusive governance.

Marke further commended APC leaders in Taraba and the North-East, including Senator David Jimkuta, Uba Ahmadu, Senator Sani Danladi, Jerry Manwe, Ibrahim El-Sudi and Mustapha Salisu, for their openness and willingness to welcome Kefas into the ruling party.

He described their attitude as “a demonstration of unity and shared responsibility,” adding that it highlighted the governor’s reputation as a peacemaker and bridge-builder.

Urging the people of Taraba to support the governor, Marke stated that this is a time to set aside party differences for the sake of development.

“This is the time for all of us to unite behind a common vision of prosperity and political harmony. The Governor has laid the foundation for a new Taraba built on inclusion and partnership,” he said.

Reaffirming his loyalty to Kefas, the aide promised to mobilize broad-based support for the governor ahead of the 2027 general elections. He described the rumoured defection as “the beginning of a new era of progress and purposeful leadership for Taraba State.”

Kefas’s rumoured defection comes just a week after PDP governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Peter Mbah of Enugu left the party.

If confirmed, the PDP’s control of states would reduce further from eight to seven, strengthening the APC’s position ahead of the 2027 general election and bolstering President Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects.

Recent Political Shifts in Nigeria

Recent times have seen significant political realignments in Nigeria. Key figures from the opposition have been switching allegiance to the ruling party, a move some analysts see as strategic for accessing federal resources and ensuring development projects continue unhindered.

Governor Kefas’s anticipated move, if confirmed, would be the latest in a series of high-level political shifts. It underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances can shift for both ideological and pragmatic reasons.

Political observers note that while such defections can strengthen a ruling party’s dominance, they also raise questions about party loyalty and the long-term stability of the political landscape. However, many argue that the primary focus should remain on governance and service delivery to the people, regardless of political affiliation.

For the people of Taraba, the hope is that this political maneuver will translate into tangible benefits: better infrastructure, improved social services, and more inclusive governance. The coming months will reveal whether this political realignment serves the state’s best interests or becomes another chapter in its complex political history.