Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has said he would not allow violence or bloodshed in pursuit of a second term in office, stressing that the will of the people would ultimately determine his political future.
The governor stated that his approach to re-election would be guided by public opinion, noting that leadership must remain accountable to citizens rather than driven by desperation for power.
Kefas, who spoke with journalists in Lagos on Saturday, emphasised that feedback from the electorate would shape his decision, adding that he was willing to accept rejection if the people were dissatisfied with his performance.
“For my reelection, I think the people will decide; it’s all about the people. And if the people say no, I’ll be very happy. And I’d seek to know from them what I’ve done that they appreciate and the ones that I’ve not done.
“If I did something that is not good, and they want another person to come and do it because they feel I cannot do it, and if I’m still interested in the second term, I will say, ‘Okay, please allow me. I didn’t know you were looking at that area. Please vote for me. I’m assuring you I’m going to do it’,” Kefas said.
He further stated that his ambition would never come at the cost of human lives.
Kefas added, “So it’s all about seeking feedback from the people and persuading them. And if I weigh it and seek reelection and they say no, I will rather go home than allow the people to be killing themselves. I would prefer to step down than allow bloodshed.
“God will always create another opportunity again. Because I know that for people like us, if one thing does not work out, another may favour us. If reelection didn’t work, I’ll go to the classroom. If the classroom does not favour me, I’ll do consultancy, and if consultancy doesn’t work, I’ll go to church to teach Bible study.”
The governor also reflected on his political journey, noting that his emergence as governor was shaped by timing, alignment, and personal decisions made in the past.
Kefas said, “When I indicated interest in 2019 for the governorship, I actually stepped down for my predecessor.
“And if you look at it on face value, there would be no calculation to bring me back from the same zone. But you see, everything works out the way it is meant to. And today, I am here as the governor.”
He added that patience and faith had played significant roles in his political career, urging politicians to trust the process rather than resort to desperate measures.
“So, God’s time is always the best. And also, when you align yourself in the right place, with the right people, and at the right time, things will work out for you—especially if you have a good mind,” he said.
The governor said that his administration was focused on building a lasting legacy, stressing that he does not want to be remembered as a leader who made no significant impact.
“Taraba was created over 29 years ago, and I don’t want to be remembered as a governor who just walked through. There must be legacy. Even if it is just to set up the state for other governors to build on, it’s something,” he said.
He noted that his administration is prioritising long-term development strategies aimed at positioning the state for sustainable growth.
The governor said his administration identified the absence of a development framework as a major setback upon assuming office.
He said, “When I came in as the governor, Taraba State had no developmental master plan. So what can you do without a plan?”
He added that despite the state’s rich natural resources, lack of planning had limited its development potential.
“Taraba has so many mineral resources, both solid and liquid and arable land for farming—which is true. But without proper data, without planning, you can’t bank on that,” Kefas said.
To address this, the governor said his administration developed a comprehensive development plan for the state.
“So I had to develop a master plan for the whole state, including local governments. And we started with one before, and then we have now increased it to all,” the governor said.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that his tenure leaves a meaningful impact on the state’s development trajectory.
NGGOSSIPS Online reports that Kefas defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in January 2026.
He explained that his decision to join the APC was taken in the best interest of Taraba.
“We will not dwell on the past. We will work together to redefine the future we desire for ourselves, our children, and generations yet unborn,” the governor said.
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