Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has said his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress is motivated by his commitment to promoting the interests of his people.

Kefas made the remark during a cultural event in Jimeta, Adamawa State, on Saturday.

The event, titled ‘Civic reception: Unveiling of Margi national attire’, was organised by the Margi tribe in the state to promote their culture and inaugurate a national attire for its people.

The celebration was attended by three governors of the Peoples Democratic Party and other dignitaries.

On Tuesday, Kefas had announced the postponement of his ceremonial defection to the APC following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.

The PUNCH reported that the reception was earlier scheduled to be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

Speaking at the gathering, which was monitored by our correspondent on Channels Television, Kefas said the decision was driven by the interest of the people of Taraba State.

He stated, “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 (Ahmadu) Finitri 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.”

Speaking, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, criticised the drifting of the nation toward a one-party state.

He added that such a political style has no place in Nigeria’s polity.

Makinde stated, “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, and I want to congratulate the entire Margi nation.

“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.

“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.”

Also, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, lauded the Margi nation, sending the regards of other PDP governors.

He said, “We are happy to be with Governor Umaru Finitri and to be here on behalf of everyone in the PDP, especially our governors who are not here.

“We want to say we identify with the day, and we will make sure that we lend our support to the development of culture and unity.

“To the issue of revisiting our history with insight, we’ll be able to know where we are coming from and where we’re going. History is not about the past, but we know the past to understand the present and be able to conquer our challenges.”

The governor pledged N50m on behalf of the forum in support of cultural development in the state.