Gov Kefas: I Don’t Have Any Rift with TY Danjuma
• Says ex-defence chief remains a father figure
• Declares his defection to APC is neither controversial nor financially induced
• Promises to deliver Taraba for Tinubu in 2027
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has disclosed that he has no rift with elder statesman and former defence minister, Lt General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd).
Kefas also insisted that his defection from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC) was neither controversial nor financially induced.
Kefas spoke with newsmen on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at State House, Abuja.
He described Danjuma as a father figure whose counsel and goodwill remained intact, despite his political realignment, stressing that there has never been any misunderstanding between them.
The governor said, “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.”
The governor explained that his recent visit to the retired three-star general was personal and symbolic, aimed at appreciation and reaffirmation of their long-standing bond, which was strengthened by their shared military background and years of association.
According to him, although Danjuma is not a member of any political party, he was duly informed before his move to APC and gave his blessing.
“Before I defected, I secured his approval. He assured me of his support whenever I need it,” Kefas said.
The governor also dismissed insinuations that financial inducement influenced his defection to the ruling party, describing such claims as baseless.
“Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC,” Kefas said, stressing that his decision was driven by conviction and strategic considerations for Taraba’s development, not pecuniary benefits.
He expressed satisfaction with his new political platform, saying he is optimistic of the opportunities it presents for deeper engagement with the federal government.
The Taraba governor further declared his readiness to deliver Taraba State for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing what he described as improvements in security and governance outcomes across key sectors.
“Delivering Taraba will not be difficult because our policies are already impacting the grassroots,” he said.
Kefas disclosed that his meeting with the president centred on security, agriculture, and the welfare of Taraba residents, as well as strategies to strengthen collaboration between the state and the federal government.
Kefas said the engagement was “very meaningful”. He said it marked his first formal interaction with Tinubu since joining APC and would open the door for stronger intergovernmental cooperation.
On concerns over possible political resistance in the state following his defection, Kefas maintained that he remained firmly rooted among the people, insisting that his performance in office has earned him public confidence.
On security, the governor said Taraba was now comparatively safer than it was before he assumed office, acknowledging that while no society is entirely crime-free, incidents of violence and unrest have reduced significantly, allowing residents greater freedom of movement.
He also highlighted progress in agriculture, particularly the introduction of mechanised farming, through the importation of tractors and expanded access to modern equipment, which he said had boosted productivity.
Kefas said the next phase of the agricultural drive would focus on establishing local processing facilities to enhance value addition, strengthen food supply chains, and create jobs.
The governor also pointed to the near alignment of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as symbolic, urging citizens to use the period for prayer, unity, and renewed commitment to national peace and development.
Kefas formally defected from PDP to APC between late 2025 and early 2026, a move that continued to generate mixed reactions within the Taraba’s political landscape.
