The All Progressives Congress on Tuesday suspended its planned grand reception for Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, citing the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the recent killings of security personnel battling terrorism across the country.
The event, earlier scheduled for Wednesday, was expected to formally welcome Kefas into the ruling party from the Peoples Democratic Party.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the decision was taken “as a mark of honour to members of the armed forces and citizens killed recently by forces of terror.”
Morka said the move was also to show respect for victims of related incidents of abductions, especially 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 defence 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 said a new date would be announced later, stressing that the party commiserates deeply with families of the victims.
The APC also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to “stamp out the menace of insurgency and banditry within our borders, and bring these despicable perpetrators to justice.”
The Taraba governor described the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, as “deeply troubling,” insisting that “compassion must take precedence over politics.”
He urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and called on Nigerians to remain calm, prayerful and united.
The governor also announced that his defection would now take place only “after consultations and when deemed appropriate.”
Kefas was scheduled to join the APC’s growing list of former opposition leaders, including Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).
The APC National Working Committee had earlier confirmed full preparations for his reception before the recent security crisis altered the plan.
