The Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Kizito Bonzena, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing growing factionalism within the PDP at the national level as his reason for the shift.
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Bonzena disclosed that fifteen other PDP lawmakers have also submitted letters expressing their intention to leave the party and join the APC. Among them are 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).
He emphasized that the decision to defect was driven by the broader interest of Taraba State rather than personal motives, noting that with all 24 members now in the APC, the move is aimed at consolidating support for the state government and ensuring a unified approach to governance.
Former Speaker Peter Diah, representing Mbamnga Constituency, welcomed the new APC members. He recalled how APC legislators had been treated fairly when they were in the minority and expressed optimism that their defection aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision. Diah also prayed that the shift would mark a new era for Taraba State and its residents, especially with the APC holding a majority at the national level.
With this development, the Taraba State House of Assembly now has no opposition members, consolidating APC’s control of the legislative chamber.
