JALINGO, Nigeria (FN) — Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has indefinitely postponed his planned defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State as a national tragedy that demands reflection rather than political celebration.
Kefas, who was scheduled to formally join the APC on Wednesday, said the decision was taken out of respect for the victims and their families. He stressed that moments of insecurity require unity, not partisan activity.
“In a moment when Nigeria is once again confronted with the reality of insecurity, solidarity and compassion must rise above politics,” Kefas said in a statement.
The governor noted that his administration places a premium on security, education and safeguarding vulnerable groups. He described the postponement as “morally right and nationally responsible,” adding that the safety of citizens must take precedence over political movements.
Kefas said the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State was a deeply troubling incident. “The safety of our children, the most vulnerable and precious members of our society, is far more important than any political activities or ceremony,” he said.
His remarks came after armed men attacked the Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State early Monday. Authorities said the assailants stormed the school around 5:52 a.m., shooting sporadically as students prepared for the day. Twenty-five female students were abducted, and the school’s vice principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was killed during the raid.
Kefas expressed solidarity with the families of the abducted children, the government and people of Kebbi State, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the girls.
“This is not a time for celebration, it is a time for reflection, prayers, unity and collective actions,” Kefas said. He also called on Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful in the face of the crisis.
The governor had announced his defection to the APC last week during preparations at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, saying the move was about “the destiny of the people of Taraba.” His planned switch followed a wave of defections in the Taraba State House of Assembly, where the speaker and several lawmakers left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
A new date for Kefas’ defection will be communicated “after due consultation and when it is appropriate to do so,” he said.
