Two Taraba senators defect to APC, raising party’s seats to 81

Two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators from Taraba State, Haruna Manu and Shuaibu Lau, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing crises in their former party as the reason.

They made their decision known via separate letters addressed to the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during plenary on Wednesday.

Both Manu, who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District and Lau of Taraba North, respectively said they had formally resigned their membership of PDP from their wards after wide consultations with constituents and relevant stakeholders.

In his letter, 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).

“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.”

According to him, 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 added.

In his own letter, Lau said the PDP’s internal crises and current direction have become a serious concern to him, hence the need to change the party.

He stated: “I hereby express my intention to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and to join the APC. I have become consistently 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.”

Configuration of senators across party lines in the Senate now shows that APC has 80, PDP 21, Labour Party (LP) three, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) two, New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP) one, totalling 107 out of the 109 seats.

Seats of Enugu North and Nasarawa North Senatorial Districts are vacant due to the demise of Senators Okechukwu Ezea and Godiya Akwashiki.