The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday postponed its scheduled reception for Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, blaming the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the recent fatalities of security personnel fighting terrorism across the country.
The event, which was originally set for Wednesday, was meant to formally welcome Kefas from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling party.
In an Abuja statement, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said the decision was made “as a mark of honor to members of the armed forces and citizens killed recently by terrorist forces.”
Morka stated that the gesture was also intended to express respect for victims of related abductions, particularly those of innocent students in Kebbi State by ‘enemies of the state.’
“We salute the courage and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line in defense of our liberty and security.
“As we mourn the death of our dear compatriots, we pray for the safe return of our innocent students taken from their families by forces of evil,” he said.
Morka noted that a new date would be announced later, stressing that the party commiserates deeply with families of the victims.
The APC also restated President Bola Tinubu’s determination to “stamp out the menace of insurgency and banditry within our borders and bring these despicable perpetrators to justice.”
The postponement follows Kefas’ personal choice earlier in the day to postpone his much-anticipated defection to the APC.
The Taraba governor called the kidnapping of 25 pupils from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga “deeply troubling,” stating that “compassion must take precedence over politics.”
He ordered security services to step up rescue efforts and encouraged Nigerians to be calm, prayerful, and unified.
The governor further stated that his defection would now only occur “after consultations and when deemed appropriate.”
Kefas was expected to join the APC’s increasing list of erstwhile opposition leaders, which includes Delta Governors Sheriff Oborevwori, Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).
The APC National Working Committee had previously confirmed all preparations for his arrival before the latest security issue changed the plans.
