The Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Kizito Bonzena,and his deputy have announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
He led a group of 15 other lawmakers who also left the PDP, Dockaysworld gathered.
The declaration was made during a sitting in Jalingo, where the members confirmed their defection through formal letters.
The lawmakers said their action followed growing division within the PDP at the national level, which they claimed made it tough for them to stay in the party.
Those who joined the Speaker in leaving the PDP include Deputy Speaker Hamman Adama Abdullai from Bali 2, Majority Leader Jethro Yakubu from Wukari 1, Tafarki Eneme from Kurmi, Akila Nuhu from Lau, Musa Chul from Gassol 1, and Josiah Yaro from Wukari 2.
Others are Tanko Yusuf from Takum 1, Veronica Alhassan from Bali 1, Anas Shuaibu from Karim Lamido 2, Nelson Len from Nguroje, Umar Adamu from Jalingo 1, Joseph Kassong from Yorro, John Lamba from Takum 2, Happy Shonruba from Ardo-Kola, and Zakari Sanusi from Ibi.
Bonzena said the decision was taken for the good of the state and not for private gain.
He called on residents to back the House as it now operates with all 24 members under the APC.
Former Speaker Peter Diah, who represents Mbamnga, welcomed the lawmakers into the party.
He said the development marks a fresh chapter for Taraba, as the House now has no minority member following the mass defection.
