Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has dismissed reports of a rift between him and elder statesman and former Minister of Defence, Lt. General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd), insisting that the retired general remains a father figure to him.
Kefas also maintained that his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was neither controversial nor financially induced.
The governor spoke to journalists on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, where he addressed speculation surrounding his political realignment.
“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 said.
He described his recent visit to Danjuma as personal and symbolic, aimed at reaffirming their longstanding relationship built over years of association and shared military background.
According to the governor, although Danjuma does not belong to any political party, he was duly informed before his move to the APC and gave his blessing.
“Before I defected, I secured his approval. He assured me of his support whenever I need it,” he stated.
Kefas dismissed claims that financial inducement influenced his decision to join the ruling party.
“Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC,” he said, stressing that his move was based on conviction and strategic considerations aimed at accelerating Taraba’s development.
He expressed optimism about the opportunities his new political platform presents for closer collaboration with the Federal Government.
The governor further declared his readiness to deliver Taraba State for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing what he described as improvements in security and governance outcomes in the state.
“Delivering Taraba will not be difficult because our policies are already impacting the grassroots,” he said.
Kefas disclosed that his meeting with the President focused on security, agriculture and the welfare of Taraba residents, as well as strategies to strengthen cooperation between the state and the Federal Government.
Describing the engagement as “very meaningful,” he noted that it marked his first formal interaction with Tinubu since joining the APC.
On concerns about possible political resistance in Taraba following his defection, Kefas insisted that he remains firmly rooted among the people, attributing his confidence to what he described as his administration’s performance in office.
He said the security situation in the state has improved significantly compared to when he assumed office, adding that although no society is entirely crime-free, incidents of violence have reduced and residents now enjoy greater freedom of movement.
On agriculture, the governor highlighted the introduction of mechanised farming through the importation of tractors and expanded access to modern equipment, which he said has boosted productivity.
He added that the next phase of the agricultural initiative would focus on establishing local processing facilities to enhance value addition, strengthen food supply chains and create jobs.
Kefas also urged citizens to use the near alignment of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as an opportunity for prayer, unity and renewed commitment to national peace and development.
The governor formally defected from the PDP to the APC between late 2025 and early 2026, a move that has continued to generate mixed reactions within Taraba’s political landscape.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
