The Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Kizito Bonzena, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his subsequent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing escalating factional struggles within the PDP at the national level.
Bonzena revealed that fifteen other assembly members have also submitted letters indicating their intention to switch allegiance from the PDP to the APC. The lawmakers include Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai of Bali two constituency, Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu of Wukari one constituency, Tafarki Eneme of Kurmi constituency, Akila Nuhu of Lau constituency, Musa Chul of Gassol one constituency, and Josiah Yaro of Wukari two constituency.
Others joining the shift are Tanko Yusuf of Takum one constituency, Veronica Alhassan of Bali one constituency, Anas Shuaibu of Karim Lamido two constituency, Nelson Len of Nguroje constituency, Umar Adamu of Jalingo one constituency, Joseph Kassong of Yorro constituency, John Lamba of Takum two constituency, Happy Shonruba of Ardo Kola constituency, and Zakari Sanusi of Ibi constituency.
Commenting on the mass defection, Bonzena urged residents not to misinterpret their decision, emphasizing that it was made in the best interest of the state. He noted that with this new development, all twenty-four members of the Assembly are now affiliated with the APC. He appealed to the people of Taraba to continue their support for the state government, describing the move as the most beneficial course for the state.
A former speaker and current member representing Mbamnga constituency, Peter Diah, welcomed the speaker and the defecting members to the APC. He recalled that the speaker and others had been fair to him and fellow APC lawmakers when they were in the minority, adding that he is pleased to see them embrace what he described as the vision of President Bola Tinubu.
Diah congratulated the new APC lawmakers and expressed hope that their entry into the party would herald a fresh beginning for Taraba and its citizens. The mass defection has effectively eliminated any minority opposition within the Taraba State House of Assembly.
