In a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, Taraba State has witnessed a massive defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Major Political Shift in Taraba
Kizito Bonzena, the Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly, has officially announced his resignation from the PDP alongside 15 other members of the legislative house. The defection represents one of the most substantial political movements in the state's recent history and signals a dramatic shift in the balance of power.
Bonzena cited deep-seated divisions within the PDP at the national level as the primary reason for his departure from the party. The speaker confirmed that all defecting members have formally submitted their resignation letters and will now operate under the APC banner.
Complete List of Defecting Lawmakers
The mass defection includes some of the most influential figures in the Taraba State House of Assembly. Among the prominent names are:
- Hamman Adama Abdullai - Deputy Speaker (Bali II constituency)
- Jethro Yakubu - Majority Leader (Wukari 1 constituency)
- Musa Chul (Gassol 1 constituency)
- Akila Nuhu (Lau constituency)
- Tafarki Eneme (Kurmi constituency)
- Josiah Yaro (Wukari 2 constituency)
Other assembly members who crossed to the APC include John Lamba (Takum 2 constituency), Veronica Alhassan (Bali 1 constituency), Tanko Yusuf (Takum 1 constituency), Anas Shuaibu (Karim Lamido 2 constituency), Nelson Len (Nguroje constituency), Joseph Kassong (Yorro constituency), Umar Adamu (Jalingo 1 constituency), Happy Shonruba (Ardo-Kola constituency), and Zakari Sanusi (Ibi constituency).
Governor's Planned Defection
The legislative defection comes amid reports that Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, is also preparing to join the APC. The governor confirmed his intention to defect during an interaction with journalists, scheduling his official movement to the ruling party for Wednesday, November 19.
Governor Kefas described his planned defection as a decision that "has to do with the destiny of Taraba people" and indicated that he expects numerous visitors to attend the official ceremony marking his transition to the APC.
The coordinated movement of both the executive and legislative arms of Taraba State government to the APC suggests a comprehensive political realignment that could significantly impact the state's political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
This development represents one of the most substantial defections in Nigeria's current political cycle and could signal a broader trend of political movements as the country approaches another election cycle.
