Alleged defection: "Kefas has never mentioned that to us"- Taraba PDP

By Nick Yashi

Spokesman of the Taraba state chapter of the People's Democratic Party, (PDP), Andetarang Iranmae, has denied the claim that his principal, the Taraba state governor, Agbu Kefas, is planning on defection to the ruling All Progressives Party (APC), like his other few counterparts. 

There exist the belief among Nigerians that the Taraba state is one of those likely to join the APC ahead of 2027.

In an exclusive chat with our reporter, Iranmae, dismissed the claim, saying the governor had not disclosed that to the party. 

He described what is currently happening to the party as a conspiracy to stifle the opposition by the ruling party. 

"What is happening within the PDP is quite bad to me because democracy is a game of intrigues. So people believe that pulling another person down would allow them to climb. They are simply afraid of PDP. Their biggest plan is to bring the party down so that they can have a non-competitive contest. 

"But let me tell you, Nigerians are becoming wiser by the day. So as someone who believes in God, i don't think human antics can surpass what God has in store for Nigerians. 

"Yes, there are apparent challenges that are confronting PDP now. But we have leaders who are consciously working towards mending fences to ensure PDP comes back on track. 

"All the attempts to stifle opposition cant work because Nigeria is a very complex country. You dont take the people's resilience for granted..

"About Agbu Kefas' defection, i want to tell you that he takes care of the party. He has never mentioned that to us. If that kind if thing is in the offing, when we get there we would know, " he stated. . 

According to him, the party was very strong and resilient having maintained the record of the only PDP state in the north to have remained aa a ruling party since 1999.

He added that the criticisms against Governor Kefas was normal in a democracy. 

"If you govern without any feelers from the people, it means you are not working. When you hear people saying one or two things, it means you are working but they would have loved that you do it their own way. 

"The governor is a listening governor. He takes advice. I want to use this medium to appreciate all those people that show concern by pointing out certain grey areas. This is a sign of affection. 

"Taraba state is jealously protecting our track record as the only PDP state in northern Nigeria that has consistently being in power since 1999. We have taken cognizance of that and prayerfully working to ensure that Taraba remains in PDP, " he concluded