Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kizito Bonzena, on Monday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing persistent factional crises within the PDP at the national level.
Bonzena also disclosed that 15 other PDP lawmakers in the Assembly had submitted letters indicating their decision to leave the party and join the APC.
Mass Defection Shifts Assembly to APC Control
The lawmakers who defected include Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai (Bali 2); Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu (Wukari 1); Tafarki Eneme (Kurmi); Akila Nuhu (Lau); Musa Chul (Gassol 1); and Josiah Yaro (Wukari 2).
Others are 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).
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With their exit, all 24 members of the Taraba State House of Assembly now belong to the APC, leaving the legislature without a minority party.
Speaker Cites State Interest
Bonzena described the move as a collective decision aimed at advancing the state’s interests.
“Our people should not misinterpret this decision of ours. It is for the interest of the state,” he said. “We also want the people of Taraba to see this as the best decision for the state, and they should continue to support the government.”
Former Speaker and member representing Mbamnga Constituency, Peter Diah, welcomed the defectors, saying he was pleased to see them align with what he called the national vision of President Bola Tinubu.
Diah added that their decision marked “a new dawn” for Taraba and its people.
With the mass defection, the Taraba Assembly becomes wholly controlled by the APC.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
