Taraba Assembly Speaker Leads 15 Lawmakers in Mass Defection from PDP to APC

Rt Hon Kizito Bonzena, Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deepening national-level factional disputes within the PDP.

Bonzena’s move is accompanied by fifteen other lawmakers from the Assembly, effectively consolidating APC control over all 24 seats in the state legislature. Among those defecting are Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai (Bali Two), Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu (Wukari One), and Tafarki Eneme (Kurmi), alongside representatives from constituencies including Lau, Gassol, Wukari Two, Takum, Bali One, Karim Lamido Two, Nguroje, Jalingo One, Yorro, Takum Two, Ardo Kola, and Ibi.

Addressing the defection, Bonzena appealed to Taraba residents to see the decision as a step in the state’s best interest. “This is not a political stunt,” he said. “It is a course that will benefit the state and ensure continuity of governance.”

Former Speaker Peter Diah, who represents Mbamnga constituency, welcomed the lawmakers to the APC, noting that they had been fair to minority members when they were in the opposition. He expressed optimism that the mass shift would strengthen the party’s vision under President Bola Tinubu and provide a fresh start for Taraba’s citizens.

The defection effectively eliminates any minority opposition within the Taraba State House of Assembly, leaving the APC with full legislative control and signaling a major political realignment in the state ahead of upcoming elections.