The Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kizito Bonzena, on Monday announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with 15 other PDP members of the House.
The defectors include key lawmakers such as Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai (Bali 2), Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu (Wukari 1), Tafarki Eneme (Kurmi), Akila Nuhu (Lau), and Musa Chul (Gassol 1) among others, effectively leaving the House fully under APC control.
Bonzena stressed that the decision was aimed at advancing the collective interest of the state rather than individual ambition.
“Our people should not misinterpret this decision. It is for the interest of Taraba. 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 continue to support the government,” he said.
Former Speaker and Mbamnga Constituency representative, Peter Diah, welcomed the move, highlighting that the House had been supportive to APC members when they were in the minority.
He expressed satisfaction that all members are now aligned with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.
Bonzena added that the shift marks a new chapter for Taraba State and its residents. With this defection, the state House of Assembly no longer has minority members.
Meanwhile, Governor Kefas has confirmed his own defection from the PDP and is expected to formally declare for the APC on Saturday, signalling a broader political realignment in the state.
Critics have raised concerns that such mass defections could push Nigeria closer to a one-party system under APC dominance.
