I Got Danjuma’s Blessings Before Defecting To APC – Kefas

Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has  said he received the blessings of elder statesman and former minister of Defence Gen. Theophilous Danjuma, before he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He also denied claims that financial incentives influenced his recent defection.

Speaking with State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, the governor described reports of a “cash-for-defection” deal as unfounded.

“Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC,” he said, maintaining that his decision was based on conviction and what he termed strategic considerations for the development of Taraba State.

He expressed satisfaction with his new political platform, saying he was optimistic about the opportunities it presents for deeper engagement with the Federal Government.

Kefas further declared confidence in his ability to deliver Taraba State for President 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 also addressed speculations of a strained relationship between him and former Defence Minister, General Theophillus Danjuma insisting that no disagreement exists between them.

“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,” he stated.

The governor said he informed the retired general before leaving the PDP and obtained his blessing, adding that Danjuma, though not affiliated with any political party, remains a respected father figure.

According to Kefas, discussions with the President centred on security, agriculture and the welfare of residents of Taraba State.

He described the meeting as meaningful and said it was his first formal engagement with Tinubu since joining the APC.

On governance, the governor said security conditions in the state have improved compared to when he assumed office, noting that while no society is completely crime-free, incidents of violence and unrest have reduced.

He also cited progress in agriculture, particularly the introduction of mechanised farming through imported tractors and increased access to modern equipment. The next phase, he said, would focus on establishing local processing facilities to strengthen value addition and job creation.

Despite mixed reactions trailing his defection, Kefas expressed confidence in his political standing, saying he remains rooted among the people and optimistic about future collaboration with the Federal Government.

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.