Political Cleanup: Taraba Capital Undergoes Urgent Renovation Spree Ahead of Governor Kefas’ Scheduled Defection

A sudden, sweeping wave of infrastructure projects has enveloped Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, triggering intense speculation that Governor Agbu Kefas is preparing for a high-profile defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The rapid, feverish pace of development, which follows years of neglect, has drawn both excitement from residents and sharp criticism from political watchdogs.

The most visible sign of this hurried activity is the Jolly Nyame Stadium. The facility, which has been abandoned for decades and left in a dilapidated state, is now undergoing extensive, urgent refurbishment. Within weeks, fresh paint, structural repairs, and round-the-clock construction have transformed the stadium into a hub of activity. Similarly, major roads across the capital, long hazardous due to deep potholes, are finally receiving attention. Bulldozers are deployed to patch craters and smooth major routes, prompting many residents to comment on the almost miraculous surge in governmental action.

Concurrently, the political landscape of the city is visibly shifting. PDP billboards, which once dominated the skyline, have been systematically removed, leaving empty frames as a stark visual symbol of changing loyalties.

Insiders close to the Governor’s inner circle revealed that these rapid renovations and cosmetic changes are part of a calculated effort to create a favourable impression on top APC leaders. The effort is allegedly timed to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President, one of whom is expected to grace the official defection ceremony, reportedly scheduled for November 19. Workers involved in the projects have confirmed instructions to complete all major work before a November 17 deadline, with many working extended hours to meet the political timetable.

However, political analysts have been quick to condemn the sudden burst of activity as “reactive governance.” They question why the stadium and critical road networks were allowed to deteriorate for years, only to receive emergency attention immediately before a political event. There is a deep-seated fear among critics that the newly repaired infrastructure may be abandoned once the fanfare of the defection concludes. As one analyst stated, “Our fear is that after the fanfare fades, these projects may not be sustained.”

In a notable shift of local allegiance, vendors selling brooms—the distinctive symbol of the APC—have reported unprecedented sales, indicating that grassroots supporters are already switching sides in anticipation of the Governor’s formal move. As the date of the expected defection draws closer, all eyes remain fixed on Jalingo, waiting to see if this political windfall will translate into sustained development for Taraba State.