By Atoyebi Nike
The Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has indefinitely suspended his planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, citing the recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
In a statement on Tuesday, Kefas said proceeding with a political event while families mourned would be “insensitive” and “morally wrong.” He emphasized that the safety of Nigerian children must come before partisan interests and urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
The governor’s stance contrasts sharply with political activities in Kogi State, where Vice President Kashim Shettima attended a rally welcoming defectors to the APC hours after the Kebbi attack. Critics highlighted the insensitivity of discussing future elections while schoolgirls remained in captivity, recalling Shettima’s role as Borno State governor during the 2014 Chibok abduction.
Civil society figures, including former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, urged the federal government to prioritize the rescue of the students, warning against repeating past mistakes from the Chibok and Dapchi incidents.
Kefas was set to become the fourth opposition governor to join the APC in 2025, following Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa governors. His suspension temporarily pauses the wave of high-profile defections, highlighting a rare moment of political morality amid ongoing party realignments.
