By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, two senators from Taraba State, Haruna Manu and Shuaibu Lau, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crises within their former party.
The lawmakers formally announced their defection in separate letters addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, which were read during plenary on Wednesday.
Senator Manu, who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District, and Senator Lau, representing Taraba North, said they had resigned their membership of the PDP at their respective wards after extensive consultations with constituents and key stakeholders.
In his letter, Senator Manu said his decision followed deep reflection and a careful assessment of prevailing political realities and the developmental aspirations of the people he represents.
“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,” he stated.
According to him, joining the APC would better position him to serve his constituents and contribute more effectively to national development.
“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,” Manu added.
In his own letter, Senator Lau attributed his defection to persistent internal crises and the current direction of the PDP, which he described as a growing concern.
“I hereby express my intention to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party and to join the APC. I have become consistently concerned about my current party’s direction and internal issues,” Lau wrote.
He added that the APC aligns more closely with his values and political vision, urging the Senate to accept his letter as formal notification of his defection.
With the latest defections, the composition of the Senate now stands at APC 80 seats, PDP 23, Labour Party three, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) two, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) one, making a total of 107 occupied seats out of 109.
The seats for Enugu North and Nasarawa North Senatorial Districts remain vacant following the deaths of Senators Okechukwu Ezea and Godiya Akwashiki.
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