Two Taraba senators dump PDP for APC

Two senators from Taraba State on Wednesday formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further deepening the political realignment in the state following the recent defection of Governor Agbu Kefas to the ruling party.

The defectors, Senators Isa Shuaibu Lau and Haruna Manu, announced their decisions in separate letters read on the floor of the Senate, citing internal party issues, consultations with constituents and alignment with the developmental agenda of the APC.

In his letter, Lau said his decision was driven by growing concerns about the internal direction of the PDP.

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“I hereby express my intention to defect from the People’s Democratic Party and to join the All Progressives Congress,” he said.

“I have become increasingly concerned about the party’s direction on internal issues.”

He added that the APC better reflected his political aspirations and those of his constituents.

“I believe the All Progressives Congress aligns more closely with my party’s ambition.

“Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my defection to the All Progressives Congress,” Lau stated.

Also announcing his defection, Manu said his decision followed wide consultations and careful consideration of prevailing political realities.

He said, “I arrived with due respect to formally notify the Senate of my decision to withdraw my membership from the PDP and to align myself with the All Progressives Congress.”

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According to him, the move was informed by consultations with stakeholders and a reassessment of the needs of his constituents.

“The decision follows deep reflection, extensive consultation with my constituents, political associates and key stakeholders, as well as a careful assessment of the prevailing political realities and the developmental aspirations of the people I represent,” Manu added.

He added that remaining in the PDP would no longer serve his constituents effectively.

“I have become convinced that my continued service to my constituents and my contributions to the legislative and developmental agenda of our nation will be better advanced on the platform of the All Progressives Congress,” he said.

Manu, thereafter, formally requested that his defection be recorded by the Senate.

“I therefore respectfully request that this letter be read on the floor of the Senate and that my defection be duly noted and reflected in the records of the Senate in accordance with established parliamentary procedures,” he said

Following the reading of the letter, Godswill Akpabio, the presiding officer, acknowledged the defection

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The defections come weeks after Agbu Kefas, the Taraba State Governor, dumped the PDP for the APC, a move that sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape and signalled a major shift ahead of future electoral contests.

Governor Kefas had cited the need to align Taraba more closely with the federal government and accelerate development as reasons for his defection, a position now echoed by the senators who say their moves were motivated by the desire to better serve their constituents.

With the latest defections, the APC has further consolidated its presence in Taraba State, while the PDP continues to grapple with internal challenges and high-profile exits within its ranks.

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