Taraba PDP Senators formally join APC

By Musa Baba Adamu

A former Taraba state Deputy Governor and Senator representing Taraba Central, Haruna Manu and the Senator representing Taraba North, Shuaibu Lau, have formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the majority All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read their defection letters during plenary on Wednesday.
In his letter, Senator Manu said he had withdrawn his membership from the PDP after consultation with his constituents.
“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),” Manu said.
“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 said joining the APC would better serve his constituents and national interests.
“I have become convinced that my continuous 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 APC,” he said.
In a separate letter, Lau, Senator representing Taraba north, blamed the internal crisis within the PDP for his defection.
“I hereby express my intention to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and to join the APC,” Lau said.
“I have become increasingly concerned about my current party’s direction and internal issues.
“I believe the All Progressives Congress aligns more closely with my values and vision. Please accept this letter as formal notification of my defection to the APC.”
Peoples Daily reports that with this development, the APC now holds 81 seats in the senate, PDP has 21 seats, while the Labour Party has two.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have two seats each, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has one seat.
Two seats remain vacant following the deaths of Godiya Akwashiki, senator representing Nasarawa north, and Okey Ezea, senator representing Enugu north.