Two opposition senators from Taraba State in Nigeria’s North-east region have resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The senators are Haruna Manu, representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, and Shuaibu Lau, representing Taraba North Senatorial District.
The lawmakers announced their defections in separate letters read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Wednesday.
In their letters, the senators attributed their decisions to internal disputes within the PDP.
The defections come barely a week after Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, defected from the PDP to the APC after weeks of speculations and consultations.
Mr Kefas won the governorship election under the PDP banner in 2023.
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have since welcomed the governor into the APC, with Mr Kefas assuming leadership of the ruling party in the state.
Reasons for defection
Mr Lau said his decision was driven by deep internal divisions within the PDP, which he noted were affecting the opposition party’s productivity and effectiveness.
He explained that the APC better aligns with his political aspirations and those of his constituents.
Mr Manu, on his part, said his defection followed consultations with his political associates, stakeholders, and 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.
“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,” Mr Manu said in the letter.
The third Taraba senator, David Jimkuta, is already a member of the APC.
With the latest defections, the APC’s strength in the Senate has increased to 81 seats, further consolidating its dominance.
The PDP now holds 21 seats, the Labour Party (LP) has two, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has two, while APGA and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have one seat each.
The seats of Enugu North and Nasarawa North senatorial districts remain vacant following the death of their occupants.
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