The Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Kizito Bonzena, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deepening factional struggles within the PDP at the national level. Bonzena’s move is not isolated; fifteen other assembly members have also submitted letters indicating their intention to leave the PDP for the APC. Among those joining the shift are Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai, Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu, and Josiah Yaro, a colleague of former Speaker Peter Diah. The defections span constituencies such as Bali, Wukari, Kurmi, Lau and others, resulting in all twenty‑four members of the Assembly now belonging to the APC and eliminating any minority opposition within the Taraba State House of Assembly.
Bonzena urged residents not to misunderstand the decision, emphasizing that it was taken in the state’s interest. He appealed to the people of Taraba to continue supporting the state government, describing the move as the most beneficial course for the state. Former speaker and current Mbamnga constituency representative Peter Diah welcomed the speaker and the defecting members to the APC, expressing gratitude for the fair treatment they received while in the minority and congratulating the new APC lawmakers. Diah hopes their entry into the party will mark a fresh beginning for Taraba and its citizens.
The development has significant implications for Taraba’s political landscape. With the APC now holding a unified presence in the Assembly, the state’s governance and policy‑making processes are likely to be affected. The shift may also have broader ramifications for the national political scene, given the ongoing factional struggles within the PDP. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the defections will shape the future of Taraba State and its relationship with the federal government.
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