Taraba APC hit by high profile defection as former minister joins PDP

The Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has been dealt a major blow following the defection of former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

DAILY POST reports that Ikenya’s departure comes just weeks before the expected formal defection of Governor Agbu Kefas to the APC. The governor’s expected defection is heightening political tensions and reshaping alignments in the state.

In a letter titled ‘Defection Notification by Sen. Joel Danlami Ikenya’, made available to journalists in Jalingo on Monday, the former minister said his decision was the product of “careful consideration, due diligence, and wide consultations”.

“I am pleased to announce that I have formally defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the interest of my people, Tarabans,” he wrote.

Ikenya emphasized that the PDP has been instrumental in his political rise. “You are all aware that the PDP remains the party that has given me the platform to attain all the positions I have ever held in politics, and this is where I believe I am loved,” he added.

He also expressed gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging the “love and solidarity” shown to him throughout his decades-long political career.