Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kizito Bonzena, has officially announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), confirming his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He revealed that 15 additional lawmakers elected on the platform of the PDP have also submitted their letters indicating their decision to move to the APC. The defecting members include:
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)
Zakari Sanusi (Ibi)
Bonzena explained that the mass defection was driven by a commitment to what they believe is in the best interest of Taraba State. He urged residents not to misunderstand their decision, stressing that it was made to support the development of the state and strengthen governance.
“With this move, all 24 members of the Taraba State House of Assembly are now in the APC,” he said, calling on the people to continue supporting the current administration.
Former Speaker, Peter Diah, who represents the Mbamnga Constituency, welcomed the lawmakers into the APC. He expressed hope that their defection would mark a positive turning point for the state and its people, especially now that they have joined the ruling party at the federal level.
With the development, the Taraba State House of Assembly now has no minority members.
