Jonathan’s Former Minister Dumps APC, Returns To PDP

Amidst the mass defection of politicians in Taraba State towards the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) – led by the impending move of Governor Agbu Kefas – a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, has defected in the opposite direction, announcing his return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ikenya, a prominent grassroots politician, made the announcement in a letter made available to journalists in Jalingo, stating that his decision was made after “careful consideration, due diligence, and wide consultations.”

​Senator Ikenya’s defection is viewed as a significant loss for the APC, particularly in the Southern part of Taraba State, where he wields considerable influence.

His move directly shuns the enticement of Governor Kefas, whose own expected defection to the APC has heightened political tension in the state.

In his letter, titled ‘Defection Notification by Sen. Joel Danlami Ikenya,’ the former minister explicitly stated his reason: ​“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 emphasized that the PDP has been instrumental in his political rise and that he did not want to abandon the party at its time of need.

“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.

Senator Ikenya’s political career has been almost entirely built on the platform of the PDP: ​Taraba State House of Assembly: 1999–2003; ​House of Representatives: 2003–2007; Senate (Taraba South): 2007–2015; Minister of Labour and Productivity March–May 2015 (under President Goodluck Jonathan).

He assured his loyal supporters that his return to the PDP was guided solely by his commitment to effectively serving his constituents.