Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has refuted claims that he accepted a bribe that influenced his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking to State House reporters on Wednesday following his first meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, since officially joining the APC, Kefas emphasized that his defection was motivated by personal conviction and the best interests of Taraba State, not financial incentives.
He said “My decision was based on what is best for Taraba State and its future. Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC.”
He further explained that the decision followed why he calls “a carefully considered step to improve cooperation and development outcomes.”
Speaking about the upcoming 2027 election, Kefas expressed confidence that he will deliver Taraba State to President Tinubu.
“We have done all our mapping, our planning, and I’m on the ground, and I have the people. The people have me, and I’ve always told them I have no business being in government than for them.”
“So I have already won the mandate of the local, and I don’t think delivering Mr President and myself will be a difficult job. Taraba is for him, and he’s going to get nothing less than 100 per cent,” he said.
He attributed this optimism to ongoing grassroots projects and policies that he said have strengthened public trust in his administration.
Kefas added that his meeting with the president focused on key issues affecting residents of the state, including security, agriculture and social welfare.
“This is not the first time meeting with Mr President. But since my movement to the ruling party, I’ve not seen Mr President.”
“So I decided to come and see him and discuss some strategic issues concerning security, concerning the welfare of the people of Taraba State, and also support for Nigeria.”
He described the engagement as productive and said it would enhance collaboration between Taraba State and the Federal Government.
The governor also called on residents to promote peace and unity, noting the coincidence of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim Ramadan period.