A sweeping political realignment hits Taraba Assembly as the Speaker and 15 lawmakers defect to the APC, reshaping the state’s legislative landscape.
A dramatic political shift has swept across the Taraba Assembly, marking one of the most significant legislative realignments in the state’s recent history.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Kizito Bonzena, has confirmed his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announcing a full transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His decision, he said, stemmed from what he described as persistent internal divisions within the PDP at the national level.
The move immediately set off a ripple effect, prompting a wave of defections that has now reshaped the political complexion of the Taraba Assembly.
Bonzena explained that his departure from the PDP was not a spontaneous choice but the outcome of prolonged observation of what he believed were unresolved factional battles adversely affecting the unity of the party.
The Speaker stressed that the situation had reached a point where he felt obligated to pursue an alternative political direction that, in his view, offered greater stability for the state.
According to him, aligning with the APC provides a more harmonious terrain for legislative progress and governance.
However, the Speaker’s defection did not occur in isolation. In an unprecedented twist, fifteen other lawmakers followed his lead, submitting formal letters to announce their exit from the PDP.
Their collective movement instantly tipped the balance of the legislative chamber, converting it into a fully APC-dominated assembly with no opposition members left.
This transformation marks the first time in many years that the House has become a single-party legislature—a situation that observers say could significantly influence the political future of Taraba State.
Among the lawmakers who also defected are Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai of the Bali 2 Constituency; Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu representing Wukari 1; Tafarki Eneme from Kurmi; Akila Nuhu of Lau; and Musa Chul from Gassol 1. Others include Josiah Yaro (Wukari 2), Tanko Yusuf (Takum 1), Veronica Alhassan (Bali 1), Anas Shuaibu (Karim Lamido 2), Nelson Len (Nguroje), Umar Adamu (Jalingo 1), Joseph Kassong (Yorro), John Lamba (Takum 2), Happy Shonruba (Ardo-Kola), and Zakari Sanusi (Ibi).
Bonzena reiterated that the decision should not be misconstrued as a personal ambition or an act of self-preservation.
Instead, he emphasized that those involved carefully evaluated the political environment before collectively resolving that the choice was in the best interest of the state.
He urged the public not to view the defections with suspicion but to interpret them as a strategic step towards ensuring legislative cohesion and cooperation with the executive arm.
Addressing the press, he stated: “This is not about Kizito Bonzena. This is about Taraba. We believe that moving in one direction as an assembly creates the stability needed to drive development.
“We want our people to understand that the overriding purpose of our decision is to strengthen governance and improve the state’s relationship with the federal structure.”
With the entire legislature now under one party, Bonzena announced that all 24 members of the Taraba Assembly are officially APC lawmakers.
He encouraged residents to lend their continued support to the government, saying that unity within the legislative arm will make it easier to deliver dividends of democracy to the public.
Former Speaker Peter Diah, who represents the Mbamnga Constituency, welcomed the Speaker and the defecting members into the APC, describing their movement as a positive and progressive development.
Diah noted that the House had, in previous years, extended goodwill to APC members when the party held minority status.
He expressed satisfaction that the chamber has now aligned itself fully with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Diah, their mass migration signals a new political awakening in Taraba State—one that is expected to foster deeper cooperation with the federal government.
He added that the lawmakers’ decision reflects an understanding of the political direction required to ensure the state does not lag behind in national development efforts.
Political analysts in the state have described the sweeping transition as both unprecedented and consequential.
While some believe it may lead to smoother coordination between the legislature and the state executive, others have expressed concerns over the absence of opposition voices, which traditionally serve as a check on government activities.
Critics worry that a one-party House could potentially limit legislative debates, accountability, and diversity of viewpoints.
Nonetheless, supporters argue that the realignment will eliminate internal political friction and enable the government to function without prolonged legislative bottlenecks.
They say that the synchronization of political interests may accelerate the passage of bills, approval of developmental projects, and implementation of policies that require legislative backing.
Across political circles, reactions remain mixed. Some residents have welcomed the mass defection, saying it could lead to more unified governance.
Others are wary, insisting that democracy thrives best when multiple voices are represented at the table. Despite the divergent reactions, one fact remains clear: the landscape of the Taraba Assembly has transformed dramatically, and its new configuration is likely to shape the state’s political future for years to come.
As it stands, the House is now without a single minority member, signaling a new chapter in Taraba’s political evolution.
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