ABUJA — Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas quashed speculation of tension with Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, the retired army general and former defense minister, after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

Kefas, who recently switched from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, stressed their bond remains strong. Their shared military roots and long association have weathered political shifts, he told reporters. “I don’t have any problem with TY Danjuma; he is my father,” Kefas said. “Since we started politics, nothing has ever come between us.”

The governor recounted a recent personal visit to Danjuma’s home. That trip symbolized gratitude and reaffirmed their ties, Kefas explained. Danjuma, who belongs to no political party, knew of the defection beforehand. Kefas secured his approval first. “He assured me of his support whenever I need it,” the governor added.

Rumors swirled that cash swayed Kefas to join the ruling APC. He rejected those claims outright. “Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC,” Kefas stated. His choice stemmed from conviction and plans to boost Taraba’s growth, not payoffs.

Delivering Taraba’s votes to Tinubu in the 2027 election looks straightforward, according to Kefas. “Delivering Taraba will not be difficult because our policies are already impacting the grassroots,” he said.

The closed-door session with Tinubu focused on security challenges, farming initiatives and resident welfare. Kefas called the talks “very meaningful.” They represented his initial formal contact with the president post-defection. Expect tighter state-federal teamwork ahead, he predicted.

Kefas defected between late 2025 and early 2026. The move stirred debate in Taraba’s political circles.

With Christian Lent overlapping Muslim Ramadan, the governor saw a sign. He called on residents to pray for unity and push national progress during this shared holy time.

Kefas’s APC alignment could reshape Taraba’s dynamics ahead of 2027. His outreach to Danjuma, a heavyweight in the state’s politics, signals efforts to steady alliances amid the switch.