Two serving senators from Taraba State—Shuaibu Isa Lau (Taraba North) and Haruna Manu (Taraba Central)—have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), increasing the ruling party’s strength in the Senate to 81 seats.
The defections were formally announced on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who read separate letters from the lawmakers.
Reading Senator Manu’s letter titled “Notification of Resignation,” Akpabio said the lawmaker informed the Senate of his decision to quit the PDP and align with the APC after what he described as extensive consultations.
Manu said his decision followed engagements with his constituents, political associates, and key stakeholders, alongside a review of prevailing political realities and the development needs of his constituency.
“I have become convinced that my conscience and contributions to the legislative and developmental agenda of my nation will be better advanced on the platform of the All Progressives Congress,” Manu stated, requesting that his defection be officially recorded.
Akpabio subsequently announced that the APC Senate Caucus had gained a new member.
In a similar letter, Senator Shuaibu Isa Lau cited internal challenges and concerns about the direction of the PDP as reasons for his defection. He said the APC aligns more closely with his values and vision, asking the Senate to accept his letter as formal notice of his move.
Both lawmakers were warmly received by members of the APC Senate Caucus.
Reacting to the development, Akpabio teased the opposition, particularly the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, urging him to explain why opposition lawmakers were repeatedly defecting to the ruling party.
Responding, Moro said the minority caucus was not troubled by what he described as the political ambitions of a few lawmakers. He noted that defections had become a familiar occurrence and expressed regret that some PDP senators had moved to another party with what he described as his party’s mandate.
Moro also questioned the claim of broad consultations by the defecting senators, insisting that the minority leadership was not informed. He added that he would continue to lead the minority caucus until the end of the 10th Senate, regardless of its size.
Akpabio, however, dismissed Moro’s remarks, further teasing that leadership remains leadership—even if one is “leading yourself”—before thanking him for his contribution.
With the latest defections, the APC now controls 81 seats, while the PDP has 21 seats. The Labour Party holds two seats, ADC and APGA have two seats each, while the NNPP has one seat.
Two Senate seats remain vacant following the deaths of Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North) and Okey Ezea (Enugu North).
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