The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State has strongly denied rumours suggesting that Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas is considering leaving the party, affirming instead that Taraba remains a bastion of PDP influence in Northern Nigeria.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Taraba State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, dismissed the speculation as unfounded, stating that the state’s political alignment remains firmly rooted in the PDP.
“Taraba State is the stronghold of the PDP in Northern Nigeria,” Bawa declared. “While other northern states have experimented with opposition parties, Taraba has consistently demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the PDP since 1999.”
Bawa attributed the party’s continued dominance to its consistent adherence to democratic ideals and the performance of successive PDP administrations, which, he said, have earned the trust of the electorate.
He lauded Governor Agbu Kefas as a product of the PDP’s internal strength, highlighting his rise from party leadership to governorship as a testament to the party’s ability to groom credible leaders.
Describing Kefas’ administration as a “significant milestone” in the party’s history, Bawa cited several achievements, including the prompt implementation of the ₦30,000 minimum wage and its recent adjustment to ₦70,000, as evidence of people-oriented governance.
He also noted Kefas’ efforts to clear a 10-month salary backlog for workers at the PDP state secretariat, describing it as a gesture of loyalty and appreciation to party supporters.
“His strong commitment to party values and the welfare of Tarabans is evident in his governance style,” Bawa said, adding that recent education reforms introduced under Kefas have been widely praised and have further solidified the PDP’s popularity in the state.
Concluding, Bawa said the growing speculation of defection is baseless and politically motivated.
“Taraba’s unwavering loyalty to the PDP and Governor Kefas’ proven dedication show that the party is not only intact but thriving. We remain the only state in Northern Nigeria that has never tested opposition—and that says a lot,” he stated.
