Two senators from Taraba State have formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting a lively exchange between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro during Wednesday’s plenary.
The lawmakers, Senator Shuaibu Lau (Taraba North) and Senator Haruna Manu (Taraba Central), submitted separate letters of defection to the Senate, which were read by Akpabio on the floor.
In his letter, Senator Manu said his decision followed extensive consultations with his constituency, political associates, and key stakeholders. “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 Progressive Congress,” the letter read.
Senator Lau cited concerns over the PDP’s internal direction, stating that the APC aligns more closely with his values and vision. Both senators were welcomed by members of the APC Senate Caucus amid cheers from the majority benches.
Following the reading of the letters, Akpabio engaged in a light-hearted exchange with Minority Leader Moro, joking about the diminishing strength of the opposition caucus. Moro, however, downplayed the political significance of the defections, describing them as a common post-election occurrence and questioning the credibility of the senators’ claims of “wide consultations.”
“I have said it here before, the minority is not about whether it’s a minority of one, two, or fifty. As long as there is a minority here, I will continue to lead them,” Moro affirmed.
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Akpabio responded with sarcasm, eliciting laughter from the majority benches, saying, “I believe that this is leadership, even if you are leading yourself.”
The defections further consolidate the APC’s dominance in the 10th Senate, bringing its total membership to 80. The current composition of the Senate stands as follows: APC – 80; PDP – 21; Labour Party – 2; All Progressives Grand Alliance – 1; New Nigeria Peoples Party – 1; and African Democratic Congress – 1.
The latest moves reflect a continuing trend of opposition lawmakers crossing over to the ruling party, often citing internal party disputes or alignment with the federal government’s agenda.