Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has defended his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move is driven solely by his desire to advance the interests of his people.
Naijaonpoint reports that Kefas stated this on Saturday at a cultural gathering in Jimeta, Adamawa State, during the ‘Civic Reception: Unveiling of Margi National Attire,’ an event organised to showcase and preserve Margi heritage.
The celebration drew prominent guests, including three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and several dignitaries.
Kefas had earlier postponed his ceremonial defection to the APC following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State. The reception was initially scheduled for November 19, 2025.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor insisted that his switch to the APC was motivated by patriotism and not political rivalry.
He said, “This is an event where all Margi nations come together to look at where they are coming from, where they are, and where they will be going.
“This is not a political gathering. Governor Fintiri is a true Margi son. He is a unifying factor, and I have enjoyed our neighbourhood and brotherhood.
“The only reason why we have disagreements is because I decided to move to the All Progressives Congress. But I know that at the end of the day, he will reason with me that my decision is in the interest of my people. I wish you all the best.”
Makinde Faults Drift Toward One-Party State
In his remarks, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, took a swipe at political forces attempting to tilt the country toward a one-party system.
“From the history being read, Nigeria is made up of several nations, and for those who are trying to push us toward a one-party state, this is why it will not happen,” Makinde said.
He praised the Margi people for honouring Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, describing the event as a rare show of unity.
“For the Margi nation, people think it is very easy to give honour to one of your own, but prophets are not always appreciated in their own home. This is a unique event today,” he said.
Makinde also lauded Fintiri’s rise in public service.
He said, “I congratulate my brother, Governor Finitri. I was reading through his trajectory in the programme book and saw that he got elected into the House of Assembly as Minority Leader.
“Later, he became Majority Leader. He also became Deputy Speaker and later Speaker. Today, he is the governor. So, we know what he is made of. If he is being given a chance, he will go a mile.”
Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, commended the Margi nation and conveyed the goodwill of other PDP governors.
He said, “We are happy to be with Governor Umaru Fintiri and to be here on behalf of everyone in the PDP, especially our governors who are not here,.
“We identify with the day, and we will lend our support to the development of culture and unity.”
Mohammed emphasised the importance of history in nation-building.
“History is not about the past, but we know the past to understand the present and be able to conquer our challenges,” he added.
He announced a ₦50 million donation on behalf of the PDP Governors’ Forum to support cultural development in the state.
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