Two Senators from Taraba PDP Switch to APC

Two senators from Taraba State, Haruna Manu and Shuaibu Lau, both previously members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They attributed their move to ongoing challenges within their former party.

The announcement was made public through letters they submitted to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, which were read during the Senate session on Wednesday.

Manu, who represents the Taraba Central Senatorial District, and Lau, who is from Taraba North, stated that they had officially resigned from their party at their respective wards after engaging in discussions with their constituents and relevant stakeholders.

In his letter, Manu expressed: “I respectfully inform the Senate of my decision to leave the PDP and join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This decision comes after thorough contemplation, widespread consultations with my constituents and political associates, as well as a careful evaluation of the existing political conditions and the developmental aspirations of the people I am accountable to.”

Manu further noted that joining the APC would more effectively fulfill the needs of his constituents and align with national interests.

“I strongly believe that my continued service to my constituents and my contributions to the legislative and developmental agenda of our country will be more effectively advanced on the APC platform,” he asserted.

Similarly, Lau indicated in his letter that the internal turmoil within the PDP and the current trajectory of the party had raised significant concerns for him, thus prompting his decision to switch parties.

He stated: “I hereby indicate my intention to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. I have consistently been troubled by the direction and internal problems of my current party.

“I believe that the All Progressives Congress resonates more closely with my values and vision. Please accept this letter as formal notice of my defection to the APC.”

Following this defection, the current configuration of the Senate now reveals that the APC holds 80 seats, while the PDP has 21, the Labour Party (LP) has three seats, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has two, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) holds one seat, bringing the total to 107 out of 109 available seats.

The seats for Enugu North and Nasarawa North Senatorial Districts remain vacant due to the passing of Senators Okechukwu Ezea and Godiya Akwashiki.