By Jummai Ishaku, Jalingo
Taraba Lawmakers -Nov. 17, 2025
Sixteen members of the Taraba State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party have defected to the All Progressives Congress, heightening speculation over Governor Agbu Kefas’ anticipated move to the ruling party.
Their defection was announced on Monday during plenary, where the Speaker, John Kizito Bonzina, read letters from each of the lawmakers indicating their resignation from the PDP.
The legislators hinged their decision on Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, which permits defections in the event of division within a political party. They cited the lingering leadership crisis at the national level of the PDP, which they said had split the party into rival factions and weakened its cohesion.
According to the lawmakers, the unresolved turmoil has thrown the PDP into confusion and eroded public confidence. They added that the situation had become untenable, prompting them to seek political stability within the APC.
Speaking after the plenary, Jethro Yakubu (Wukari I) described the defection as unavoidable, warning that the crisis rocking the PDP “has the potential to wipe out the party from the country.” Musa Chul (Gassol I) and Nelson Len (Nguroje) said they consulted their constituents before making the move.
The development leaves the 24-member Assembly under the firm control of the APC, further reshaping the political landscape in Taraba ahead of Governor Kefas’ expected defection.
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Reacting, a former Speaker of the House, Abel Peter Diah, commended the lawmakers for joining the APC. He praised their decision, saying aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s administration would open more opportunities for the state.
