The Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kizito Bonzena, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bonzena said his decision was driven by the factional crisis within the PDP at the national level. He also revealed that 15 other PDP lawmakers in the state assembly have submitted their letters indicating their defection to the APC.
The defecting lawmakers include Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai (Bali 2), Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu (Wukari 1), Tafarki Eneme (Kurmi), Akila Nuhu (Lau), Musa Chul (Gassol 1), Josiah Yaro (Wukari 2), Tanko Yusuf (Takum 1), Veronica Alhassan (Bali 1), Anas Shuaibu (Karim Lamido 2), Nelson Len (Nguroje), Umar Adamu (Jalingo 1), Joseph Kassong (Yorro), John Lamba (Takum 2), Happy Shonruba (Ardo-Kola), and Zakari Sanusi (Ibi).
Bonzena stressed that the move was made in the interest of the state, noting that all 24 members of the House are now members of the APC. He urged the public to support the decision as a step toward strengthening governance in Taraba.
Former Speaker Peter Diah welcomed the defectors, saying he is pleased they have now aligned with the vision of President Bola Tinubu. He described their defection as a new dawn for Taraba State.
The sweeping defections eliminate any opposition presence in the state assembly.
Governor Agbu Kefas has also confirmed that he will officially join the APC on Saturday, adding to concerns among critics who fear the country may be drifting toward a one-party system.
President Tinubu has dismissed such concerns, insisting that those defecting are doing so voluntarily.
Now that the entire Taraba State House of Assembly is made up of APC members, questions remain about what this means for the future of democracy in the state.
