The All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended its planned defection ceremony for Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, citing the deadly wave of terrorist assaults that have shaken the nation.
DDM gathered that the party’s decision followed public grief and rising national tension after gunmen killed residents and abducted students during a violent raid on a secondary school in Kebbi State.
The defection event was originally scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja.
The APC said it could not proceed with a celebratory political gathering while the country was in mourning.
The party added that it reached the decision out of respect for soldiers, police officers, and civilians who lost their lives in recent attacks across northern Nigeria.
The latest incident in Kebbi State involved heavily armed terrorists who invaded Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in the Maga community of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
At least twenty-five female students were abducted, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed calls for security reforms.
One student escaped late Monday night, according to the principal, and has since reunited with her family.
Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the APC, announced the suspension in a statement on Tuesday.
Morka praised the courage of Nigeria’s armed forces and emphasised that the APC stands in solidarity with grieving families.
He stated that the party honours the sacrifices of security operatives who confront terrorists daily under harsh and dangerous conditions.
He added that the APC “deeply commiserates” with families affected by the attacks.
He also offered prayers for the safe rescue of the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls.
Security analysts say the party’s decision reflects growing political sensitivity around worsening insecurity, especially as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
The APC has faced criticism over Nigeria’s deteriorating safety situation, with several regions experiencing recurrent banditry, mass abductions and rural terror assaults.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to end insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.
The presidency maintains that ongoing military operations, including intelligence-driven missions across the northwest, are steadily expanding.
However, citizens and advocacy groups argue that government reactions often come after tragic losses rather than through sustained preventive action.
Political observers say this latest suspension shows how national insecurity is reshaping political activities and public expectations.
Many note that the symbolism of halting the defection event sends a message that political celebrations cannot exist in isolation from citizens’ suffering.
As rescue operations continue in Kebbi, pressure is mounting on security agencies to locate the abducted girls and prevent another prolonged school-kidnap saga like Chibok and Dapchi.
The APC has not announced a new date for the governor’s defection ceremony.
The party insists its focus remains on national stability and the protection of Nigerian lives.
The country continues to await updates from the military as search-and-rescue efforts intensify across remote forests and border corridors.
