By Rejoice Peterside
In a political realignment in Taraba State, Rt. Hon. Kizito Bonzena, Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing factionalism at the national level of the PDP as a key factor in his decision.
Bonzena, who represents his constituents in the House, described the defection as a collective move for the interest of the state, assuring residents that it was not for personal gain.
Alongside the Speaker, 15 other PDP lawmakers in the House have also defected to the APC, bringing the total number of APC members in the Taraba State House of Assembly to 24, effectively eliminating the opposition party in the chamber.
The lawmakers who defected include:
- Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai (Bali 2 Constituency)
- Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu (Wukari 1 Constituency)
- Tafarki Eneme (Kurmi Constituency)
- Akila Nuhu (Lau Constituency)
- Musa Chul (Gassol 1 Constituency)
- Josiah Yaro (Wukari 2 Constituency)
- Tanko Yusuf (Takum 1 Constituency)
- Veronica Alhassan (Bali 1 Constituency)
- Anas Shuaibu (Karim Lamido 2 Constituency)
- Nelson Len (Nguroje Constituency)
- Umar Adamu (Jalingo 1 Constituency)
- Joseph Kassong (Yorro Constituency)
- John Lamba (Takum 2 Constituency)
- Happy Shonruba (Ardo-Kola Constituency)
- Zakari Sanusi (Ibi Constituency)
Speaking on the development, Bonzena said, “Our people should not misinterpret this decision of ours. It is for the interest of the state. We now have all 24 members of the House as APC members. We want the people of Taraba to see this as the best decision for the state, and they should continue to support the government.”
The defection was warmly welcomed by former Speaker and APC lawmaker representing Mbamnga Constituency, Peter Diah, who described the move as a positive step toward consolidating the party’s vision in the state. He said, “The House has been generous to us in the past when we were in the minority. Now, with all members on board, we can better align with the vision of President Bola Tinubu and serve the people of Taraba.”
As it stands, there is now no minority party in the Taraba State House of Assembly, giving the APC full control over legislative affairs in the state. Observers say this development could have far-reaching implications for policy-making and governance, as well as the alignment of the state government with the federal administration.
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