Taraba Governor Postpones Planned Defection to APC Over Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Abduction

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has suspended his anticipated defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.

In a statement on Tuesday, the governor described the incident as heartbreaking and said it would be insensitive to proceed with political engagements while the affected families and the nation are in mourning.

Kefas expressed his sympathy to the families of the abducted students and extended condolences to the Federal Government. He also urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts to ensure the girls’ safe return.

According to him, the safety and well-being of children take precedence over any political plans, making the postponement both necessary and unavoidable.

The defection event, earlier scheduled for 19 November 2025, has been put on hold pending further consultations and an improvement in the security situation.

Meanwhile, political activities in Taraba State have intensified ahead of the governor’s planned move. Within 48 hours, the state has witnessed major realignments, as all PDP members in the State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, cabinet members, and top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, have already defected to the APC.

Some party stakeholders who spoke with The Guardian commended the governor for delaying the defection rally as a mark of solidarity with the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls.

In related developments, the Gender Educators Initiative (GEI) has urged the Federal Government to act swiftly to rescue the girls abducted from Government Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Sources confirmed that about 25 students were kidnapped during the attack, and a school official was killed.

GEI, in a statement by its Executive Lead, Shafa’atu Suleiman, condemned the incident as a tragic reflection of the worsening insecurity in the North-West, especially for women and children who remain the most vulnerable.

The organisation called for stronger coordination between federal authorities, security agencies, and the Kebbi State Government to ensure the immediate rescue of the girls.

It also urged the government to adopt a more proactive, intelligence-driven security strategy and to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative through measures such as functional fencing, trained security personnel, and early-warning systems in high-risk areas.