Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State, has dismissed claims that he received a bribe to influence his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to correspondents at the State House on Wednesday, following his first meeting with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock Villa since his formal defection, Kefas emphasized that his move was motivated by personal conviction and the broader interest of Taraba State, not financial gain.

“My decision was based on what is best for Taraba State and its future. Nobody gave me money to defect to the APC,” he said.

Kefas described the switch as a “carefully considered step to improve cooperation and development outcomes” in the state.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he expressed confidence in delivering Taraba State for President Tinubu.

“We have done all our mapping, our planning, and I’m on the ground with the people. The people have me, and I’ve always told them I have no business being in government other than to serve them,” Kefas said.

“So I have already secured the mandate locally, and delivering the president along with myself will not be difficult. Taraba is for him, and he will get nothing less than 100 per cent,” he added.

He attributed this confidence to ongoing grassroots projects and policies that have, he said, strengthened public trust in his administration.

Kefas noted that his discussion with the president focused on key issues affecting residents, including security, agriculture, and social welfare.

“This is not the first time I’m meeting with the president, but since joining the ruling party, I had not met him. I came to discuss strategic issues concerning security, the welfare of the people of Taraba State, and support for Nigeria,” he said, describing the engagement as productive and a boost for collaboration between the state and the federal government.

The governor also urged residents to promote peace and unity, noting that the overlap of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim Ramadan period presents a moment for prayers and renewed commitment to national development.

Kefas, who was elected on the PDP platform in 2023, had initially planned to defect to the APC on November 19, 2025, before postponing the move to January 31, 2026.