16 Taraba PDP Lawmakers Join APC Ahead of Gov Kefas’s Defection
Less than 24 hours before the expected defection of Governor Agbu Kefas from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), all sixteen PDP lawmakers in the Taraba State House of Assembly have dumped the party for the ruling APC.
The move was announced during Monday’s plenary, where Speaker John Kizito Bonzina read their resignation letters.
Each lawmaker stated their decision to leave the PDP due to what they described as a deepening leadership crisis at the national level, including the existence of two rival factions.
The Speaker said the defections were backed by Section 109 of the Constitution, which allows lawmakers to switch parties in the event of division within their party.
After the plenary, the defectors said the internal wrangling that once strengthened the PDP had now weakened it to the point where remaining in the party was no longer viable.
They added that they had consulted their constituents before taking the step.
Jethro Yakubu, representing Wukari I, said the crisis rocking the PDP “has the potential to expunge the party from the country.”
Musa Chul of Gassol I and Nelson Len of Nguroje also said staying in the PDP would jeopardise their political future, prompting them and their supporters to move to the APC.
The mass defection significantly reshapes Taraba’s political landscape, especially as the state anticipates Governor Kefas’s imminent move to the APC.
The 24-member Assembly is now fully controlled by the APC.
Former Speaker Abel Peter Diah, who represents Mbamnga constituency, praised the lawmakers for joining the APC and aligning with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the state stood to gain more from the federal government with the new alignment.
In a related development, former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has expressed concern over the rising number of defections from opposition parties to the ruling APC.
He warned that the trend could lead to internal collapse if not addressed and described many of the defectors as political lightweights adding little value to the party.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
