Two Taraba Senators Defect from PDP to APC, Boosting Ruling Party’s Majority

In a significant political shift that further consolidates the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Nigerian Senate, two senators from Taraba State have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

The defections, announced during Wednesday’s plenary session, bring the APC’s senatorial seats to 81, while shrinking the PDP’s representation.

The lawmakers involved are Senator Haruna Manu, representing Taraba Central, and Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau, representing Taraba North. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read their separate defection letters on the floor of the Red Chamber, where both senators cited consultations with constituents and internal crises within the PDP as reasons for their move.

In his letter, Senator Manu stated: “I write 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 (APC).” He emphasized that the decision followed wide consultations and a careful assessment of the political landscape. Similarly, Senator Lau attributed his defection to ongoing internal challenges in the PDP, expressing his intention to join the APC for better alignment with national development goals.

The Senate President, while welcoming the defectors, directed the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, to formally receive them into the APC fold. Akpabio also exchanged light-hearted banters with the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, highlighting the shifting dynamics in the upper chamber. This move reduces the PDP’s senators to around 19-21, depending on recent vacancies, while other parties like Labour Party, APGA, NNPP, and ADC hold minimal seats.

This defection comes amid a wave of political realignments in Taraba State, signaling potential preparations for the 2027 general elections. As earlier reported by NaijaChoice News, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas recently defected from the PDP to the APC, citing a focus on purpose and state development rather than personal ambition. The governor was received by Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda. Additionally, the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, along with other PDP members, had earlier switched to the APC.

Political analysts suggest these defections reflect growing discontent within the PDP, particularly in the North-East, and could strengthen the APC’s grip on power ahead of future polls. Reactions on social media have been mixed, with some users praising the move as a step toward national unity, while others criticize it as opportunistic politics.